Question...which zoo animal would be the ultimate pocket-sized companion?  There is a right answer, but we want to hear yours... Join Zac and Chad as they  swap stories that will crack you up and maybe even crack the code on connecting with middle schoolers (read:boys).  In this episode, we don't shy away from the pressing questions- like whether gaming streams are the new radio or if there's a method to the madness of K-pop fandom. It's an honest ride through how relational connections are really made.  Today's conversations get deep as we explore what drives us to gro ..read more

Facebook marketplace is safe right?   Zach and Chad, your ministry mentors and amateur online bargain hunters, are here to draw the parallels.  This episode is an open lesson for what we have learned  navigating the challenges that small group leaders face, especially when confronted with the whirlwind or overload that is a roomful of teenagers.  For the next 30 minutes we're dishing out our practical strategies  to help your newbie leaders turn anxiety into confidence, transforming those small group gatherings into from sessions to community.  Support the ..read more

JEREMY SIT DOWN!  Whew sorry about that... Kids Amma I right? If you have ever had issues with students not listening, being distracting, or even disruptive during teaching time... then do we have a toolkit for you! Dealing w/ Distractions, Disruptions, & Discipline Issues: If you've ever felt like a ringmaster in a circus of pre-teen hijinks we hope this chat is helpful. We're unpacking the chaos of disruptions with real stories (we have been there!).  Can we just send these kids to time-out?  Hey YM friends let's talk about how to foster a culture of respect by clearly ..read more

Ever had one of those moments where you're left holding your head in your hands, wondering where your brilliant idea went wrong?   Our podcast usually gets down to the nitty-gritty of what it takes to plan not just fun, but also memorable activities for youth ministry.  This week we are laying out our failures, asking for help and coaching up what makes games great.  So enjoy our queasy missteps and food-related fiascos, all while highlighting the true aim of youth events—safe, inclusive, and enjoyable experiences for every student involved. ChatGPT Games Balloon Pop&nb ..read more

Ever bitten off more than you can chew?  Hey friends, Zach Workun and Chad Higgins back for another episode and another year of youth ministry podcasting. This episode is a smorgasbord of tips and tales, starting with my own kitchen catastrophe that turned into a smoky sous vide saga. You'll hear how Chad's culinary mishap serves up a lesson in embracing the unexpected and learning from our missteps—not just in cooking but in our ministry efforts too. Rolling up our sleeves, Chad and I tackle the hefty topic of expectations in youth ministry. We peel back the layers on why we plan even ..read more

Ready for a rollercoaster ride of emotions this holiday season? Ever tried to surprise your high-end friends with a gift only to find it relegated to the 'middling' category? Grab a cup of cocoa and join us as we traverse the holiday gift-giving terrain, highlighting the importance of backstory and adventure in choosing presents. We'll even tell you why your friend who has no inkling about a multi-tool could end up loving it as a gift! Venturing into deeper waters, we grapple with the delicate issue of helicopter parenting in youth ministry. Through our exploration, we underline the need to e ..read more

Could you eat faster than Zac?  No One's Going To Take It! Join Zac and Chad, where we kick things off with a hilarious debate centered around Zac's rapid-fire eating habits and his lofty claim of inhaling 50 hot dogs in four minutes. We even ponder on what would be the most embarrassing food record to hold. It's a light and hearty start to an episode that gets you laughing and wondering about your own eating speed. ParaSocial Relationships Then, things take a more profound turn. We journey back to the 1950s as we explore the realm of parasocial relationships and their tremendous influe ..read more

Youth Ministry Is Relational, but what does that mean? Have you ever wondered how to maximize relational opportunities in youth ministry? That's exactly what Zac and Chad are unpacking in this episode.  Chil or No-Bean Chili? We kick off the show with some winter joys and a feel-good chat about all things chili. There's even a bit of a friendly debate on Wolf Brand chili and I share the recipe for my favorite homemade version. Chad's friend eating it cold is a monster by the way! Youth Ministry's Greatest Leverage = Relationships As we shift gears, we dive deep into the world of youth m ..read more

Youth Ministry Is Relational, but what does that mean? Have you ever wondered how to maximize relational opportunities in youth ministry? That's exactly what Zac and Chad are unpacking in this episode.  Chil or No-Bean Chili? We kick off the show with some winter joys and a feel-good chat about all things chili. There's even a bit of a friendly debate on Wolf Brand chili and I share the recipe for my favorite homemade version. Chad's friend eating it cold is a monster by the way! Youth Ministry's Greatest Leverage = Relationships As we shift gears, we dive deep into the world of youth m ..read more

How do I get students to actually read their Bibles?  Join Zac and Chad as we recount some wilds stories of swimming in open waters. Seriously though, Chad why would you push your wife towards the sharks?  Getting students to engage with Scripture starts where they are and nurturing their curiosity so they don't fall into patterns of only reading it during crisis or reciting it as cliche.  Remember, your goal is to create an environment where teenagers can explore the Bible's teachings in a way that resonates with them. It's about fostering a genuine interest and understandin ..read more