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Are we scrolling ourselves numb while our souls quietly starve? On this episode of Candid Conversations, Jonathan Youssef talks with Brett McCracken and Ivan Mesa, editors of Scrolling Ourselves to Death: Reclaiming Life in a Digital Age, about how digital overload is quietly shaping who we are—often more deeply than we realize. Dive in as they reveal why technology's grip is so persistent, how endless scrolling subtly reshapes our hearts and habits, and why reclaiming our attention is more than a productivity hack. It's a spiritual battle for deeper living and true community.With candid insight and practical wisdom, Brett and Ivan explore the challenges of our dopamine-fueled media culture and the hope Christians can find in refocusing their lives on embodied relationships and intentional spiritual rhythms. If you feel the tug between digital distraction and life-giving presence, this conversation will equip and encourage you.CANDID LISTENER SURVEYWe love bringing you honest, hope-filled conversations about the Christian faith, and we'd love your feedback. We've compiled a short listener survey to help us plan future episodes you'll love. Will you take a couple of minutes to complete it today? Your voice will help shape what's next! Take the Survey NowFollow Candid Conversations on social media:Instagram: @candidpodTikTok: @officiallycandidpodYouTube: @CandidPodSubscribe & Share:If this episode inspired you, please subscribe, leave a review, and share it with others.
Message from Jonathan Youssef on September 14, 2025
Are you equipped to stand firm in the Christian faith in today's ever-changing culture? Jonathan Youssef welcomes Trevin Wax, co-author of The Gospel Way Catechism, to discuss the importance of Christian catechism as a tool for spiritual formation in today's world. Trevin is a vice president at the North American Mission Board (NAMB), a visiting professor at Cedarville University, and a regular columnist at The Gospel Coalition. This conversation unpacks the meaning of catechism, its vital role in discipleship, and the inspiration behind this book, a resource designed to help Christians discern Biblical Truth amid cultural confusion.Listen now to discover how classic elements of catechism can be adapted for modern challenges, including secularism, expressive individualism, and technological developments like artificial intelligence.This episode offers insights into making faith accessible to all ages, with news of an upcoming children's catechism, and practical tips for applying catechetical truths to everyday life and outreach.CANDID LISTENER SURVEYWe love bringing you honest, hope-filled conversations about the Christian faith, and we'd love your feedback. We've compiled a short listener survey to help us plan future episodes you'll love. Will you take a couple of minutes to complete it today? Your voice will help shape what's next! Take the Survey NowFollow Candid Conversations on social media:Instagram: @candidpodTikTok: @officiallycandidpodYouTube: @CandidPodSubscribe & Share:If this episode inspired you, please subscribe, leave a review, and share it with others.
Message from Jonathan Youssef on September 7, 2025
In this message from Colossians 4:7–18, Dr. Jonathan Youssef highlights Paul's closing words and the eight friends who stood by him in ministry. Each of these men—whether a servant like Tychicus, a restored runaway like Onesimus, a faithful companion like Aristarchus, or a Gospel writer like Luke—reminds us that God uses ordinary people in extraordinary ways. Their stories show that the work of the Gospel is never a solo mission but a shared calling among the body of Christ. Just as Paul depended on faithful friends to encourage, support, and labor alongside him, so too we need one another to fulfill God's mission. Ultimately, this passage challenges us to consider our own role in the Church and to commit ourselves fully to serving Christ together.
This special episode re-airs Jonathan Youssef's engaging visit with Rick Probst on 2 Pastors Unplugged. Jonathan—shaped by a legacy of ministry and global training—digs deep into what makes preaching truly life-changing, drawing from experiences that span Atlanta to Sydney. Hear how opening God's Word becomes more than a message; it's an invitation to personal transformation and lasting impact for every listener.Explore more thought-provoking stories, honest faith journeys, and practical wisdom in every episode of Candid Conversations.CANDID LISTENER SURVEYWe love bringing you honest, hope-filled conversations about the Christian faith, and we'd love your feedback. We've compiled a short listener survey to help us plan future episodes you'll love. Will you take a couple of minutes to complete it today? Your voice will help shape what's next! Take the Survey NowFollow Candid Conversations on social media:Instagram: @candidpodTikTok: @officiallycandidpodYouTube: @CandidPodSubscribe & Share:If this episode inspired you, please subscribe, leave a review, and share it with others.
On this special episode of LEADING THE WAY, Dr. Jonathan Youssef takes you to Colossians 4, introducing you to Paul’s diverse circle of ministry friends! (Colossians 4)Support the show: https://au.ltw.org/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
On this special episode of Leading The Way, Dr. Jonathan Youssef takes you to Colossians 4, introducing you to Paul's diverse circle of ministry friends! To support this ministry financially, visit: https://www.oneplace.com/donate/155/29
In this message from Colossians 4:7–18, Dr. Jonathan Youssef highlights Paul's closing words and the eight friends who stood by him in ministry. Each of these men—whether a servant like Tychicus, a restored runaway like Onesimus, a faithful companion like Aristarchus, or a Gospel writer like Luke—reminds us that God uses ordinary people in extraordinary ways. Their stories show that the work of the Gospel is never a solo mission but a shared calling among the body of Christ. Just as Paul depended on faithful friends to encourage, support, and labor alongside him, so too we need one another to fulfill God's mission. Ultimately, this passage challenges us to consider our own role in the Church and to commit ourselves fully to serving Christ together.
Dr. Michael Youssef welcomes his youngest son, Dr. Jonathan Youssef, to the next Leading The Way to share a message introducing you to key people surrounding the Apostle Paul! Gifted friends maximized the impact of his ministry through their unique skills and personalities. Learn more about Leading The Way at LTW.org! Be equipped with the tools you need to study the Bible in 2025! Click this link to learn more about this month's special resource: https://www.lightsource.com/donate/913/29
Are you feeling overwhelmed by the challenge of raising children to stand firm in their Christian faith because the culture pushes back at every turn? You're not alone. Today, countless parents, teachers, and mentors are searching for hope-filled answers and practical, Biblical guidance for the next generation.In this episode of Candid Conversations, Jonathan Youssef offers practical insights for parents, grandparents, and anyone passionate about discipling kids in today's challenging culture. Join him to discover three Biblical strategies for teaching, mentoring, and praying for the children in your life. Listen and learn how to boldly speak Truth, help your children build relationships grounded in Christ, and understand why inviting the Holy Spirit into their journey is vital. Tune in to empower the next generation with a foundation rooted in God's Word.CANDID LISTENER SURVEYWe love bringing you honest, hope-filled conversations about the Christian faith, and we'd love your feedback. We've compiled a short listener survey to help us plan future episodes you'll love. Will you take a couple of minutes to complete it today? Your voice will help shape what's next! Take the Survey NowFollow Candid Conversations on social media:Instagram: @candidpodTikTok: @officiallycandidpodYouTube: @CandidPodSubscribe & Share:If this episode inspired you, please subscribe, leave a review, and share it with others.
Message from Jonathan Youssef on August 24, 2025
Welcome back to Candid Conversations! After a refreshing sabbatical, Jonathan Youssef returns with a brand-new episode to kick off this new season of Candid, diving into one of the Bible's most powerful stories of transformation, Simon Peter. Jonathan is joined by author and Candid listener favorite, Dave Hubbard. His new book, “You Are, You Will Become: A Character Study of Simon Peter,” invites readers to discover how God changes hearts and lives from the inside out. This conversation is packed with relatable insights, personal stories, and practical questions for group or individual study.Are you curious about what made Peter so unique among the disciples? Have you ever wondered why Jesus renamed Simon and what it means to go from "You are" to "You will become"? Jonathan and Dave unpack Peter's bold faith, failures, and journey toward becoming a true “rock.” They draw on Dave's compelling, often humorous experiences, illustrating how God uses everyday moments to shape our character just like He did with Peter.Whether you're looking for a Bible study resource, small group inspiration, or answers to common questions about Christian transformation, this episode and book will help you become who God created you to be while accepting that you are a work in progress, just like Peter.Join the conversation as we explore the life lessons, questions, and hope in Simon Peter's story. This episode is for everyone seeking growth and transformation in faith.Special OfferYou Are, You Will Become is available now for 20% off. Churches, small groups, and ministries purchasing more than 25 copies of the book can also receive a discount and free shipping directly from the publisher. Visit Dave Hubbard's website today to place your order!CANDID LISTENER SURVEYWe love bringing you honest, hope-filled conversations about the Christian faith, and we'd love your feedback. We've compiled a short listener survey to help us plan future episodes you'll love. Will you take a couple of minutes to complete it today? Your voice will help shape what's next! Take the Survey NowFollow Candid Conversations on social media:Instagram: @candidpodTikTok: @officiallycandidpodYouTube: @CandidPodSubscribe & Share:If this episode inspired you, please subscribe, leave a review, and share it with others.
Message from Jonathan Youssef on August 17, 2025
Message from Jonathan Youssef on August 10, 2025
Message from Jonathan Youssef on July 20, 2025
Message from Jonathan Youssef on July 13, 2025
Message from Jonathan Youssef on July 6, 2025
A man lands in Dublin for a job interview. That night, in a hotel room, Jesus appears to him in a vision. The next morning, he stands weeping at a church gate, waiting for someone to explain what just happened.That's not fiction. It's just one of the stories Pastor Joe Kerrigan shares in this unforgettable episode of Candid Conversations. From deliverance ministry to revival in the heart of Ireland, Joe's journey will challenge your comfort, stir your spirit, and remind you what God can do with a willing “yes.”Jonathan Youssef sits down with Pastor Joe Kerrigan, a former chef turned pastor, who leads Trinity Church in Dublin, Ireland. Joe shares how his dramatic encounter with Jesus on the road to Damascus changed everything and how that “yes” to Christ began a lifelong journey of healing, deliverance, and Gospel proclamation.Now, after decades of ministry, Joe is witnessing something extraordinary: a spiritual awakening in the heart of Dublin. Through testimonies of revival, supernatural encounters, and radical discipleship, Joe reveals what happens when a church says yes to the Lord's call and opens wide its doors to the broken, the skeptical, and the seeking.Joe's words are urgent, heartfelt, and deeply challenging. If you've felt stuck, stale, or longing for more in your own walk or your church, this episode will ignite your faith.Follow Candid Conversations on social media:Facebook: @candidpodInstagram: @candidpodTwitter: @thecandidpodSubscribe & Share:If this episode inspired you, please subscribe, leave a review, and share it with others.
Message from Jonathan Youssef on June 22, 2025
Message from Jonathan Youssef on June 15, 2025
“There has never been a better time to evangelize the next generation.”That's a bold statement, but one Dave Jensen stands behind with passion, clarity, and decades of ministry experience.In this energizing episode, Australian evangelist Dave Jensen returns to Candid Conversations to share why now, yes, right now, might be the most wide-open moment in our lifetime to reach Gen Z and Gen Alpha with the Gospel. From pandemic disillusionment to a cultural craving for meaning, Dave and Jonathan explore the social and spiritual shifts that are sparking a hunger for Truth among young people worldwide.They dive into:Why Gen Z is surprisingly open to the GospelWhat not to do when evangelizing in a post-Christian cultureHow to avoid replacing grace with moralism in your messageWhy compromise kills Gospel witness and conviction ignites itThe real reason most non-Christians reject Christianity (it's not what you think)How YOU can be part of the revival starting with the people you already knowWhether you're a parent, pastor, youth leader, or just someone who longs to see more people know Jesus, this episode is a wake-up call and an encouragement: the harvest is ready, and we're all called to go.Follow Candid Conversations on social media:Facebook: @candidpodInstagram: @candidpodTwitter: @thecandidpodSubscribe & Share:If this episode inspired you, please subscribe, leave a review, and share it with others.
Message from Jonathan Youssef on June 8, 2025
What happens when we stop pretending we're fine and start getting honest with God? Jonathan Youssef sits down with Joy Chapman, West Coast Development Director for Leading The Way, to hear her powerful story of transformation. From a childhood faith shaped by Scripture to life-altering experiences of loss, fear, and forgiveness, Joy shares how God met her in moments of deep pain to bring true healing and freedom.Through disasters, both internal and external, Joy discovered that Jesus doesn't just offer salvation, He offers healing for our memories, minds, and even our grief. Whether you're wrestling with fear, shame, unforgiveness, or the weight of being “fine,” this candid conversation will remind you: Jesus is near, and it's for freedom Christ set us free.Subscribe and share this episode with someone who needs hope today.Stay Connected with Candid:Follow us on Instagram | Facebook | X/Twitter
Message from Jonathan Youssef on June 1, 2025
What do Listerine strips, backyard barbecues, and cartoon characters have to do with kids meeting Jesus? More than you might think.In this lively and insightful episode of Candid Conversations, host Jonathan Youssef welcomes back Zack Carden—pastor, storyteller, and creator of Grey Bobby Ministries—to explore the incredible opportunity churches have with Vacation Bible School (VBS).Zack shares how his passion for the Gospel and kids collided unexpectedly, leading to years of creative VBS leadership that blends humor, theology, and deep discipleship. Together, they unpack why VBS still works, how it transforms both kids and teen volunteers, and what churches can do to make the most of this high-impact week.In this episode, you will learn:Why the 3–13 age window is spiritually criticalWhat unchurched families really think about sending kids to VBSHow to follow up meaningfully after the last water balloon popsThe simple tool Zack uses to draw kids (and their families) back to churchHow parents can disciple kids without feeling overwhelmedLearn how to use your church's VBS to reach your community and keep them coming back.Whether planning this year's VBS or wondering if it's still worth doing, this episode will reignite your vision for reaching the next generation with the Gospel.More from Zack Carden:Find Zack Carden's Biblical storytelling content for kids: Visit Greybobby MinistriesJonathan learns more about Greybobby from Zack: Listen hereRemember, it's not too late to register for VBS, invite a friend, or start planning for next year. Schedule it, defend it, and watch God move.
Message from Jonathan Youssef on May 25, 2025
Are you searching for something solid to hold onto when life feels uncertain?In a world where finances fluctuate, relationships disappoint, and the future seems unpredictable, we all crave a sense of security. But what if the things we cling to can't truly keep us safe?In this episode of Candid Conversations, Jonathan Youssef explores the universal longing for security through the lens of one of Scripture's most moving stories, the journey of Ruth. Drawing wisdom from Ruth chapter 2, Jonathan invites you to consider:Where are you placing your trust?What do you run to when life feels shaky?Could there be a deeper, unshakeable refuge you're missing?You'll hear how Ruth, a foreigner with nothing left to lose, risked everything to care for her mother-in-law, and how her faith led her straight into God's providence. Discover how God's invisible hand works even in your hardest seasons, providing protection, provision, and hope in unexpected ways.Whether you feel bitter and empty like Naomi, vulnerable and courageous like Ruth, or in a position to bless like Boaz, this episode will encourage you to find your true security, not in what you can build or protect, but under the loving wing of the God who sees you.Listen now and rediscover the only place of lasting security.Resources & Links:
Message from Jonathan Youssef on May 18, 2025
If God is good and all-powerful, why does evil persist? In this thought-provoking episode of Candid Conversations, Jonathan Youssef sits down with Collin Hansen to tackle one of the most challenging questions people of faith will wrestle with.Drawing from his new book Where Is God In a World with So Much Evil?, Collin explores the age-old struggle with suffering through the lens of Scripture, history, and personal reflection. From the cries of Job to the silence of Jesus at the cross, from the horrors of the Holocaust to the hidden pain many carry today, this conversation invites listeners to wrestle honestly with doubt while discovering the surprising hope God offers—not always through answers, but through His presence.Whether you're walking through hardship or beside someone who is, this episode will equip you with Biblical wisdom, historical perspective, and deep compassion. Don't miss this honest dialogue on justice, suffering, and the power of resilient faith in a broken world.About This Week's Guest:Dr. Collin Hansen is an author, editor-in-chief of The Gospel Coalition, and executive director of The Keller Center for Cultural Apologetics,Connect with Collin:Facebook: @hansen.collinX: @collinhansenFollow Candid Conversations on social media:Facebook: @candidpodInstagram: @candidpodTwitter: @thecandidpodSubscribe & Share:If this episode inspired you, please subscribe, leave a review, and share it with others.
Message from Jonathan Youssef on May 11, 2025
Are you tired of faith conversations that feel more like a battle than a dialogue? What if defending what you believe could open doors instead of building walls? In this episode of Candid Conversations, Dr. Sean McDowell, author, professor, and leading Christian apologist, joins Jonathan Youssef to tackle the most challenging questions facing believers today, from the mental health crisis and the deconstruction movement to the rise of AI and digital misinformation.You'll hear why the “us vs. them” mentality is holding us back, how to engage skeptics with curiosity instead of combativeness, and practical ways to help the next generation wrestle with doubt without losing faith. Discover why women are reshaping apologetics, how to avoid echo chambers online, and what timeless questions will always matter, no matter how the culture shifts.This episode is for you if you want to move beyond talking points. Watch and learn how to have honest, winsome conversations about faith in a rapidly changing world. Subscribe now and join the dialogue that's equipping Christians to love well, think deeply, and stand out for all the right reasons.About This Week's Guest:Dr. Sean McDowell is a professor of apologetics at Biola University, the cohost of the Think Biblically podcast, and a best-selling author. His latest book, Apologetics for an Ever-Changing Culture, helps Christians address today's toughest questions with clarity and compassion.Connect with Sean:Website: seanmcdowell.orgYouTube: Sean McDowellInstagram: @sean_mcdowellFollow Candid Conversations on social media:Facebook: @candidpodInstagram: @candidpodTwitter: @thecandidpodSubscribe & Share:If this episode inspired you, please subscribe, leave a review, and share it with others.
Message from Jonathan Youssef on May 4, 2025
Why are Bible sales experiencing a surprising 22% surge? Is Western culture becoming spiritually curious again? In this episode of Candid Conversations, Jonathan Youssef welcomes Dr. Sean McDowell—author, speaker, and Biola University professor—to unpack this unexpected trend.Sean shares insights from his years of engaging the next generation on matters of faith, culture, and apologetics. Together, they explore:Why a sharp rise in Bible sales should give us pause—and cautious hopeHow cultural voices like Jordan Peterson and Jonathan Rauch are contributing to renewed interest in ChristianityWhy secularism may be losing momentum among young adultsHow Christians can better engage a spiritually curious culture today—not with confrontation, but with conversationDrawing on historical shifts, current research, and his experiences equipping students and churches, Sean encourages believers to rethink how we present the gospel in this pivotal moment. Instead of arguing like it's still the era of the "new atheists," it's time to listen, ask better questions, and meet people in their spiritual hunger.Guest BioDr. Sean McDowell is a professor of apologetics at Biola University, the cohost of the Think Biblically podcast, and a best-selling author. His latest book, Apologetics for an Ever-Changing Culture, helps Christians address today's toughest questions with clarity and compassion.Connect with Sean:Website: seanmcdowell.orgYouTube: Sean McDowellInstagram: @sean_mcdowell
What exactly happened after Easter? What was Jesus' message to His disciples—and what is His message to us today in a post-resurrection world? Dr. Jonathan Youssef leads you through John 21 to reveal the answer: the risen Jesus calling His followers, especially Peter—the one who failed Him the most. Through a miraculous catch of fish, a breakfast on the shore, and three powerful questions, Jesus calls Peter (and us) back to our core calling as His disciples. This sermon is a powerful reminder that Jesus doesn't give up on broken people—He restores them for His purpose!
Message from Jonathan Youssef on April 27, 2025
Easter Sunday may be over, but the Resurrection story is just beginning. In this episode of Candid Conversations, Jonathan Youssef reflects on John 21 and what Jesus' post-Resurrection moments reveal about how we are meant to live today. If you've ever felt spiritually stuck, disqualified from ministry, or unsure of what to do now that the Easter celebration has faded, this message is for you.Jesus didn't leave us without direction. He gave three clear calls that still shape every believer's life today:
What exactly happened after Easter? What was Jesus' message to His disciples—and what is His message to us today in a post-resurrection world? Dr. Jonathan Youssef leads you through John 21 to reveal the answer: the risen Jesus calling His followers, especially Peter—the one who failed Him the most. Through a miraculous catch of fish, a breakfast on the shore, and three powerful questions, Jesus calls Peter (and us) back to our core calling as His disciples. This sermon is a powerful reminder that Jesus doesn't give up on broken people—He restores them for His purpose!
On the next LEADING THE WAY, Dr. MICHAEL Youssef invites Dr. JONATHAN Youssef to bring a life-changing post-Easter message called, WHAT HAPPENS AFTER EASTER? You’ll want to hear his passionate message of TRUTH! (John 21)Support the show: https://au.ltw.org/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Message from Jonathan Youssef on April 13, 2025
Do you struggle as a parent to help your children grasp the profound significance of Easter while swimming against a tide of pastel eggs and jelly bean overload? In this episode of Candid Conversations, Jonathan Youssef talks with John Greco, whose new children's book, The Easter Lamb, was born from his parenting challenge to explain to his three young sons how God's rescue plan connects Passover to the Cross. Whether you have toddlers fascinated by colorful illustrations or older kids asking tough theological questions, this conversation offers practical wisdom for families seeking to plant Biblical Truth that will root deeply in children's hearts.John Greco is a writer, editor, and self-described Bible geek with an impressive background in Biblical scholarship. He has served as the editor of the He Reads Truth Bible and as the New Testament theological editor for the NIV Cultural Backgrounds Study Bible.Highlights:The story of an aspiring pastor who became a writer and how he "stumbled into" writingThe inspiration behind creating a children's book that connects the Passover story to Jesus's sacrificeHow Biblical theology helps children (and adults) see the complete narrative of Scripture rather than disconnected moral storiesThe importance of teaching children the profound connections between Old and New Testament storiesJohn's approach to handling difficult Biblical concepts like sacrifice and death in a child-appropriate wayThe collaborative process with London-based illustrator Sian James to create engaging, accurate, and inviting visualsFamily traditions for making Easter meaningful beyond bunnies and chocolate eggsAbout the Book: The Easter Lamb: Jesus, Passover, and God's Amazing Plan to Rescue Us weaves together the stories of Passover and Easter, helping young readers understand the connection between these significant biblical events and see how God's plan for salvation has been consistent throughout history.Connect with John Greco: Find more information about John and his books on his website.Follow Candid Conversations on social media:Facebook: @candidpodInstagram: @candidpodTwitter: @thecandidpodSubscribe & Share:If this episode inspired you, please subscribe, leave a review, and share it with others.
Message from Jonathan Youssef on April 6, 2025
What happens when our desire to be liked becomes a barrier to real community? In part two, Jonathan Youssef continues his conversation with Jeremy and Jinger Vuolo, delving deeper into the profound struggles behind people-pleasing and how God's Truth sets us free.Jinger shares powerful stories of real-life moments that challenged her desire to appear “put together,” and how letting others into her mess brought healing, deeper friendships, and lasting joy. Jeremy offers honest reflections on walking with Jinger through this transformation, encouraging others to think critically about their motives and the long-term consequences of seeking approval.Together, they explore the danger of trading meaningful relationships for short-term reputation and how choosing vulnerability can lead to the community we truly crave.This conversation is honest, relatable, and freeing for anyone wrestling with fear, performance, or the pressure to please.About the GuestsJeremy Vuolo is a former professional goalkeeper for the New York Red Bulls who is now pursuing his doctorate at Master's Seminary.Jinger Vuolo grew up on TLC's "19 Kids and Counting" and "Counting On" as part of the Duggar family. She is now an author of multiple books, including the New York Times bestseller "Becoming Free Indeed" and her newest release "People Pleaser: Breaking Free From the Bondage of Imaginary Expectations."Together, Jeremy and Jinger are raising their two daughters and new son in the Los Angeles area while sharing their faith through various platforms, including their podcast and social media.Resources Mentioned"People Pleaser: Breaking Free From the Bondage of Imaginary Expectations" by Jinger Vuolo"Becoming Free Indeed" by Jinger Vuolo (New York Times bestseller)Follow the Vuolos on social media:Instagram: @jingervuolo @jeremy_vuoloFollow Candid Conversations on social media:Facebook: @candidpodInstagram: @candidpodTwitter: @thecandidpodSubscribe & Share:If this episode inspired you, please subscribe, leave a review, and share it with others.
Message from Jonathan Youssef on March 30, 2025
What happens when you realize much of your life has been shaped by the need to meet others' expectations? In this enlightening episode of Candid Conversations, Jonathan Youssef welcomes Jeremy and Jinger Vuolo back to the program as they dive into the suffocating world of people-pleasing. Jinger, known from TLC's "Nineteen Kids and Counting," reveals how she discovered a prison of other's expectations beneath her desire to maintain peace. With remarkable vulnerability, she shares how the fear-based theology she was raised in magnified these tendencies and how her marriage to Jeremy was the catalyst for transformation. This conversation isn't just for people-pleasers—it's for anyone who's ever wondered if their relationships, decisions, and actions are motivated by genuine love or a need for approval.About the GuestsJeremy Vuolo is a former professional goalkeeper for the New York Red Bulls who is now pursuing his doctorate at Master's Seminary.Jinger Vuolo grew up on TLC's "Nineteen Kids and Counting" and "Counting On" as part of the Duggar family. She is now an author of multiple books including the New York Times bestseller "Becoming Free Indeed" and her newest release "People Pleaser: Breaking Free From the Bondage of Imaginary Expectations."Together, Jeremy and Jinger are raising their two daughters and soon-to-be son in the Los Angeles area while sharing their faith through various platforms, including their podcast and social media.Resources Mentioned"People Pleaser: Breaking Free From the Bondage of Imaginary Expectations" by Jinger Vuolo"Becoming Free Indeed" by Jinger Vuolo (New York Times bestseller)Follow the Vuolos on social media:Instagram: @jingervuolo @jeremy_vuoloFollow Candid Conversations on social media:Facebook: @candidpodInstagram: @candidpodTwitter: @thecandidpodSubscribe & Share:If this episode inspired you, please subscribe, leave a review, and share it with others.
Message from Jonathan Youssef on March 23, 2025
In a culture that is increasingly more comfortable with phrases like "my truth" and "your truth," Jonathan Youssef explores the concept of objective truth and why it matters in our everyday lives. This episode examines the logical problems with a "post-truth" mentality and presents compelling evidence for why Christianity's truth claims deserve thoughtful consideration, even from skeptics.Key Topics DiscussedThe contradiction between subjective perspectives and objective realityWhy the "coexist" mentality creates logical problems in practiceThe fear of discovering truth and how truth might lead to freedomEvidence to support Christianity's Truth claimsFollow us on social media:Facebook: @candidpodInstagram: @candidpodTwitter: @thecandidpodSubscribe & Share:If this episode inspired you, please subscribe, leave a review, and share it with others.
Message from Jonathan Youssef on March 16, 2025
Is the church asleep while the world crumbles? What if Jesus' ancient warnings to the church are more relevant now than ever? Jonathan Youssef sits down with his father, renowned Bible teacher Dr. Michael Youssef, for an unfiltered conversation about spiritual complacency in critical times. As they explore the insights from Dr. Youssef's new book, God's Final Call, they reveal how Christ's messages to the seven churches of Revelation contain the exact blueprint modern believers need to navigate our increasingly hostile cultural landscape. Drawing from over five decades of Biblical scholarship, Dr. Youssef decodes these prophetic warnings with an urgency that will challenge everything you thought you knew about faith in chaotic times.Join father and son to explore how these ancient letters serve as spiritual road maps for navigating our increasingly challenging cultural landscape. Dr. Youssef shares compelling insights on recognizing modern church warnings, avoiding complacency, standing firm amid cultural chaos, and reclaiming the joy of anticipating Christ's return.Whether struggling with doubt in a hostile culture or seeking to deepen your faith journey, this conversation offers comfort and conviction for believers committed to unwavering faith.Learn more about Dr. Michael YoussefPre-order your copy of God's Final Call Follow us on social media:Facebook: @candidpodInstagram: @candidpodTwitter: @thecandidpodSubscribe & Share:If this episode inspired you, please subscribe, leave a review, and share it with others.
In this powerful first installment, Jonathan Youssef sits down with Dru Hammer to discuss her remarkable faith journey, from her roots in Tulsa, Oklahoma, to becoming part of one of America's most prominent families.Episode Highlights:Dru shares the story of her parents' conversion to Christianity when she was five years old and how it transformed their familyHer father's unexpected call to healing ministry after witnessing a miraculous healingA pivotal moment in Dru's senior year of high school when she witnessed her first supernatural healingThe story of meeting her future husband, Michael Hammer, on a flight and their whirlwind romanceHer transition into the world of the Hammer family dynasty and learning to navigate high society while maintaining her faithStories of ministry work ranging from Beverly Hills socialites to the L.A. Dream CenterThe gradual process of sharing faith with her father-in-law, Dr. Armand Hammer, and his eventual acceptance of ChristKey Quotes:"God, I want to do what you want me to do. I want to be who you want me to be. And I want to go where you want me to go. Send me. I'm here. I'm ready." - Dru HammerAbout the Guest:Dru Hammer is the founder and CEO of Hammered Heart Foundation and the author of the book Hammered. Her story bridges the worlds of faith, business, and humanitarian work, demonstrating how God can use anyone, anywhere, to share His message.Stay tuned for Part 2 of this compelling conversation, where Dru discusses overcoming personal trials and founding the Hammered Heart Foundation.Follow us on social media:Facebook: @candidpodInstagram: @candidpodTwitter: @thecandidpodSubscribe & Share:If this episode inspired you, please subscribe, leave a review, and share it with others.