PD and PDubs Unscripted

In this episode, PD sits down with Joe Latuszek, Immanuel's Praise Team Director. to unpack the dramatic shifts in music consumption, media trends, and cultural identity over the last two decades. From the shared soundtrack of the early 2000s to today's fragmented playlist culture, they explore how platforms like TikTok have reshaped music discovery and erased decade-defining sounds. The conversation dives into the generational divide fueled by fast-moving tech, evolving worship styles in church, and the search for authenticity in a curated world. Whether you're a pastor, a creator, or a culture watcher, this episode offers fresh insight into navigating the digital age with faith, wisdom, and discernment.

P-Dubs and PD dive into the convenience (and chaos) of ordering food through apps like DoorDash and Uber Eats. They share real talk on the pros and cons of mobile ordering, what's actually worth it in rewards programs and loyalty perks, and how these apps are reshaping how we eat.Then, the conversation shifts to a more personal note: would you rather officiate a wedding or a funeral? PD and P-Dubs compare their experiences leading these major life events—some hilarious, some heartfelt—and reflect on what each one teaches us about life, faith, and community.If you're into tech talk, faith reflections, and real-life ministry moments, this episode has something for you.

In this powerful episode, P-Dubs and PD dive deep into the rich interaction between Jesus and His disciples in John 21, focusing especially on Jesus' restoration of Peter after the resurrection. This conversation unpacks the themes of redemption, calling, and trusting God's plan, helping us understand what it truly means to follow Jesus. Whether you're wrestling with your purpose or simply want to grow in your faith, this study encourages listeners to embrace their calling and trust the Lord when He calls.

PD is joined by two Immanuel High School students for a powerful discussion on mental health, managing busy student life, and maintaining a strong faith amidst everyday challenges.

Maggie Walsh joins PD to discuss some upcoming events happening at Immanuel. And it ends with some random trivia.

In this episode, hosts P-Dubs and PD sit down with Rev. Dave Ficken to talk about LINC Chicago, an organization dedicated to equipping, Christian entrepreneurs, and nonprofit leaders in diverse urban communities.Rev. Dave shares how LINC provides leadership development, community support, and ministry training to help local leaders thrive in the heart of the city. This episode offers valuable insight and inspiration.

PD is joined by Immanuel's Praise Team Director, Joe Latuszek to talk about social media and technology when it comes to Immanuel. If you want to see any of the videos mentioned on Instagram go to https://www.instagram.com/immanuelpalatine/

Meschac St. Amour joins PD to give an update on what's going on with Habitat for Children Ministries.

PD is joined by Immanuel's Praise Team leader, Joe Latuszek to discuss the upcoming Night of Worship at Immanuel on Thursday, March 13.

P-Dubs and PD talk about Epiphany and some of the readings that are read during the season of Epiphany.

P-Dubs and PD talk about community and community is different than in previous generations. They share thoughts of what they have seen and how it plays a role in the church.

P-Dubs and PD discuss some of their favorite Christmas memories, family traditions, songs, and cookies.

We take a closer look at why one of the assigned readings for the first Sunday in Advent is Luke's account of Palm Sunday. And we take some time to discuss the text, Luke 19:28-40.

Maggie Walsh joins PD to talk about a smorgasbord of topics about Thanksgiving.

On this episode we take a deeper dive into Mark 10:17-31. We discuss the interaction with the rich man and the teaching moment with the disciples afterward.

P-Dubs and PD reflect on their most recent Pastor's Conference that they attended. They shared about reaching out to those who don't know Christ and caring for people.

*Please note we're having some issues with our microphones and the audio quality is not our normal quality* We're back! After a long hiatus, we're back with a new episode. We share about the various activities that took place over the summer months at Immanuel and look ahead to some of the events coming up at Immanuel.

P-Dubs and PD share about what they're learned at their latest Pastor's Conference. The topic of the conference was on the topic of reconciliation. They reflect on the reconciliation with God and with other people.

P-Dubs and PD are glad to have P-Dubs' daughter, Sydney joining us on this episode. They start their discussion about the parable of the Lost Sheep. This leads Sydney into a discussion about mental health and feeling like the lost sheep.

On this episode we are joined by Cassandra Grace. She joins us to discuss God's sovereignty in the middle of suffering. Cassandra shares her journey though life and some of the struggles and how she has come to love God. https://www.cassandraspocket.net/

On this episode we discuss various Easter hymns and songs. We share our thoughts about some of our favorites and how these are uplifting songs and hymns.

P-Dubs and PD are joined by Immanuel member, Kevin Kindelin. Kevin just released a memoir about his life and his journey have his spinal cord injury when he was 19. He shares about his journey from the time of the injury and when he found out about Immanuel. You can buy his book on Amazon. It's called, "At Least I Tried" by Kevin Kindelin

It's episode 100! P-Dubs and PD reflect on the past 2 years of recording their podcast. They share some behind the scenes stories of the podcast and the fun they have had while recording.

PD and P-Dubs are joined by Immanuel members, Kevin, Doug, and Terry to talk about 50's Plus. 50's Plus is a group of people over 50 that meet at Immanuel weekly, for devotions, fellowship, a meal, and a lot of fun. Terry shares about their upcoming event with Radio Players West on April 19. If your'e interested in checking out the Radio Players West please RSVP at schmoldt@comcast.net.

On this episode we discuss the stages of grief. We share about the fives stages of grief and share about our experiences when we have gone through a loss of a loved one. Here is a link to the article we discussed...https://www.healthline.com/health/stages-of-grief#are-there-5-or-7-stages

PD is joined by lifelong Immanuel member, Betty Franz and recurring guest, Meschac St. Amour. Betty recently came back from a mission trip in Haiti to see what Meschac's mission in Haiti is doing. She shares stories about the trip and what she learned.

PDubs and PD talk about the season of Lent on this week's episode. They share stories about imposing ashes and the purpose for this season in the church year.

This week PDubs and PD discuss the increase of one of the fastest growing religious affliation, "Nones." Nones are those that claim they have no religious affiliation. They share about results of some recent surveys about views of Nones.

PDubs and PD discuss what the daily life of a pastor is like. They share some of their favorite parts of ministry and some stories from their years in ministry.

As we begin the new year it's easy to have fear. There are a lot of things that can cause us fear, yet with God we have no worry to fear or worry about what's happening in life.

PDubs and PD take a deeper dive into Luke 2:1-20. This is the familiar passage read on Christmas Eve. The go through the text and share some of their thoughts about what's going on in the reading.

PDubs and PD are joined by Cheryl and Sarah White for a fun conversation about Christmas movies. They all share their favorite Christmas movies and discuss those along with many other Christmas movies.

PDubs and PD are joined by Rev. Jorge Mazariegos of Vida y Fe Church of West Dundee, IL. Pastor Jorge shares about his journey to be a pastor growing up to Guatemala to helping out at a church in Aurora, and ultimately starting Vida y Fe Church. This is a great conversation about what God is doing through Pastor Jorge and his ministry.

PDubs and PD are joined by the church's mailman, Nick. Nick shares about life as a letter carrier and how he truly tries to be uplifting to all of his customers. Take time to get to know a regular in the church office, Nick the Mailman!

With PDubs getting ready to head off to Wisconsin for his annual time in the woods for hunting season, he shares about some of the lessons he has learned in the deer stand.

PDubs and PD take a deeper dive into the Aaronic Benediction. They share what they learned at a pastor's conference a few years ago on this great way to end our church services.

PD is joined by Meschac St. Amour to give an update on his ministry in Haiti. Meschac shares about some of the recent groups that have come to help the people in Haiti and shares an update about the medical facility they are looking to have up and running by January 2024.

PDubs and PD discuss an article about 11 different sayings that came originally from the Bible. They have a lot of fun and laughs as they discuss these different sayings. You may be shocked to hear some of them.

PDubs and PD discuss an article from Relevant Magazine about the five most countercultural virtues of Christianity. They have a great conversation talking about this list.

PDubs and PD are joined by Immanuel's interim praise team director, Joe Latuszek. They have a great conversation about planning sermons and connecting it to preparing to play music. Also, they discuss some of the goals of Immanuel's praise team.

PDubs and PD have some fun talking about the different things celebrated on a given day. They also have a little discussion about one hit wonders. And they wrap up by talking about the reason we can have joy each day.

PDubs and PD start looking ahead to the upcoming sermon series in October. The sermon series will be looking to ReEngage with the concept of the One and the RE Campaign. They share about the importance of sharing the Gospel with those who don't know Jesus or walked away from the faith.

On this episode PD is joined by recurring guest, Maggie Walsh (M-Dubs). M-Dubs and PD discuss places in the northwest suburbs of Chicago that are supposedly haunted along with ghosts. This discussion leads into a Lutheran understanding of ghosts and haunted places.

PDubs is back in studio with PD! PDubs and PD discuss memories they had from their experiences with the first day of school growing up. They also talk about the first day of school at Immanuel for the 2023-2024 school year as well as the Bible verse of the school year.

PD is joined by one of his longest friends, Peter Frank. Peter just finished his vicarage (internship) at St. Stephens Lutheran Church in Hickory, NC. Peter shares about his vicarage and what he learned and PD shares stories from his vicarage at Redeemer Lutheran Church in Bartlesville, OK.

PD is joined by his good friend an Immanuel alumni, AJ Weller. They discuss the three biggest issues they see facing the church.

Today, PD is joined by Dave Ficken the North American Director of PLI. PD and Dave discuss sharing the gospel message of Jesus with others and some practical ways they have done that. Please note the audio for Dave is a little lower due to he was remote when recording.

On this episode, we discuss the Parable of the Sower and look ahead a little to the Parable of the Weeds. We share some of our own gardening soil and what Jesus is talking about in the Parable of the Sower.

On this episode we discuss on article from Relevant Magazine called, "7 Things I Wish I Knew Before Becoming Christian." We discuss these 7 different things.

On this week's episode the guys take a deeper dive into Matthew 9:12. They also, share some of their own stories about going to the doctor and hospital.

On this episode we discuss two recent sports press conferences. We first discuss the OU Women's Softball team on the press conference of three of the their players sharing about their faith. The second press conference is Boston Celtics Head Coach, Joe Mazzulla. Joe shares about how there is more then life then basketball.