Podcast appearances and mentions of jonathan youssef

Message from Jonathan Youssef on November 16, 2025

In a world where spiritual claims come from every direction—podcasts, platforms, pulpits, and social feeds—it's becoming harder to discern what's truly biblical. Many ideas sound close to Christianity yet miss the mark in ways that quietly reshape what we believe about Jesus.If you've ever heard something that didn't sit right with you, you're not alone—and your instincts matter. And believe it or not… Christians were fighting these same battles 1,700 years ago.In this Candid reflection, Dr. Jonathan Youssef takes us back to one of the most defining moments in church history: the Council of Nicaea (A.D. 325). As the Council marks its 1,700th anniversary, Jonathan invites you into the story behind the Nicene Creed —a confession that has anchored generations of believers in the truth as heresy spread like wildfire.Learn how a single false idea about Jesus sparked a worldwide crisis, why the early Church gathered to defend the truth, and how the creed they forged continues to safeguard our faith today. This isn't dusty theology or ancient trivia. It's the foundation on which your understanding of Jesus' divinity, incarnation, resurrection, and His return still rests.Jonathan also guides you through the creed itself, and together, you'll rediscover why these ancient words still matter today.Vital Questions Answered by this Reflection:Why was the early Church gathered in Nicaea, and what was at stake?What was the Arian controversy, and why did it threaten the heart of the Gospel?How does the Nicene Creed boldly declare the eternal divinity of Jesus?Why does the creed still matter in a world of spiritual influencers and modern heresies?How does confessing ancient truth form a deeper, richer worship life today?Why is grounding your faith in who Jesus truly is the most urgent task of every believer?If You Enjoyed This Episode:Subscribe & Share:If this episode inspired you, please subscribe, leave a review, and share it with others.Follow Candid Conversations on social media:Instagram: @candidpodTikTok: @officiallycandidpodYouTube: @CandidPod 

Message from Jonathan Youssef on November 9, 2025

We live in a world that tells us happiness is always just one more step away—one more raise, one more purchase, one more answered prayer. Yet even when we finally get what we thought we wanted, peace still feels out of reach.In this powerful reflection, Jonathan Youssef invites you to pause and consider a radically different kind of joy, the kind that doesn't depend on circumstances. He takes us to a Roman prison cell, where the apostle Paul, chained and hungry, wrote these astonishing words:“I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.” — Philippians 4:13Paul wasn't celebrating victory; he was declaring trust. From that dark cell came a light that still pierces our restless culture today: the secret of contentment found in Christ alone.Jonathan explores what it means to offer a sacrifice of thanksgiving even when life hurts, and how gratitude can become a spiritual weapon in seasons of loss, waiting, or disappointment.If you've ever wondered how to hold onto peace when everything feels uncertain, this message is for you.True gratitude isn't about pretending life is perfect. It's about believing God still is.Follow 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 November 2, 2025

What happens when faith becomes about performance rather than grace? In this heartfelt and eye-opening conversation, Jonathan Youssef sits down with Cameron Cole, President of Rooted Ministry and author of Heavenward: How Eternity Can Change Your Life on Earth, to talk about breaking the cycle of performance-based Christianity and rediscovering the freeing power of the Gospel for parents and kids alike.Cameron shares his personal story of striving for perfection, hitting burnout, and finally finding rest in the truth that the Gospel means Jesus carries the burden of your life. Together, he and Jonathan explore how parents can nurture grace-filled, Gospel-saturated homes, guide their kids through questions of identity, and help them experience true security in who God says they are.If you've ever felt exhausted by the pressure to “get it all right”—in parenting, ministry, or life—this conversation will remind you that freedom, peace, and joy are found not in performance, but in grace.Follow 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.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 Now

Message from Jonathan Youssef on October 26, 2025

In a culture where identity has become fluid, how can Christians respond with Biblical Truth with both conviction and compassion?In this episode of Candid Conversations, Jonathan Youssef sits down with Dr. Katie McCoy, author of To Be a Woman: The Confusion Over Female Identity and How Christians Can Respond. Together they unpack one of the most pressing questions facing the next generation: Who decides who we are?Dr. McCoy traces the rise of gender confusion from the roots of radical feminism and expressive individualism to the explosion of gender dysphoria among Gen Z. With clarity and grace, she explains why this moment is not just a social issue but a spiritual one, a battle over what it means to be human and made in the image of God.In this conversation, you will also hear:How culture's “be whoever you want” message is leaving young people anxious and broken.The connection between feminism, Marxist thought, and modern gender ideology.What Scripture teaches about masculinity, femininity, and our created design.Practical advice for parents and churches walking alongside teens facing gender confusion.How believers can speak truth without hostility in an age of outrage.Dr. McCoy also shares about The Identity Project, a free resource helping parents, pastors, and churches navigate questions of sexuality, gender, and biblical identity with wisdom and courage.If you've ever wondered how to stand for truth while staying loving in conversations about gender and identity, this episode will equip you with biblical insight and hope.Follow 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.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 Now

Message from Jonathan Youssef on October 19, 2025

What happens when faith collides with a world changing faster than ever? In this episode, Michael Keller and Jonathan Youssef wrestle honestly with AI, digital isolation, and the fractured search for meaning, offering real hope and practical wisdom for anyone longing for true connection and honest community with grace at the center.​Jonathan and Michael dig into the spiritual and cultural shifts created by technological disruption and social fragmentation. They share about the challenges facing the Church and practical ideas for building communities of grace where people can wrestle with big questions, doubts, and their own brokenness.​Listen to Part 1 of this Candid Conversation with Michael Keller.Follow 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.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 Now

Message from Jonathan Youssef on October 5, 2025

Discover how union with Christ transforms our identity, reshapes our approach to discipleship, and calls every believer to costly faith. Pastor and author Sam Allberry joins Jonathan Youssef to share candid insights on navigating same-sex attraction, authentic holiness, and the challenges facing today's church. Whether wrestling with faith or longing for deeper purpose, this conversation offers practical encouragement for living faithfully in a shifting world.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 NowLearn more about Sam Allberry:The Gospel CoalitionImmanuel NashvilleFollow 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 28, 2025

What if the habits shaping your daily scroll are quietly shaping your soul, and your church, for the next generation? In Part 2 of our conversation with Brett McCracken and Ivan Mesa, editors of Scrolling Ourselves to Death: Reclaiming Life in a Digital Age, we take a deeper look into the ways digital technology forms our hearts, relationships, and communities. From "main character syndrome" to the epidemic of information overload, the conversation unpacks how every generation, Gen Z to Boomers, is being discipled by screens, and how the Church can resist digital shallowness by reclaiming real, embodied community.Listen to practical encouragement for churches hungry to nurture countercultural connection and for individuals eager to recover timeless Christian practices in a sea of distraction. Discover why hopeful, Gospel-rooted engagement, not fear, must anchor our response to a rapidly shifting technological world. Whether leading, parenting, or just wondering how faith fits in a digital age, this episode delivers challenge and hope for the journey ahead.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 21, 2025

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.

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.

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!

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!