Embrace the Awkward Podcast

Episode 103: AJ is Awesome

Tue, 24 Feb 2026 12:00:00 -0600

In this episode, Mike and Kyle are joined by AJ from The Gathering — a young, passionate youth pastor who has some cool things happening in his ministry.

AJ shares how he’s intentionally building a youth ministry culture that fosters both authentic worship and real community. From creating environments where students feel safe to engage with God, to building relationships that actually last beyond youth group nights, this conversation is packed with practical ideas and honest ministry talk.

If you’ve ever wondered how to help students take ownership of worship, build deeper community, or create a ministry culture students actually want to invite friends into — this episode is for you.

Visit @theetapodcast on Instagram and embracetheawkward.com for merch and more!

Episode 102: Your Youth Group Night Might Be Wrong

Tue, 10 Feb 2026 12:00:00 -0600

Is Wednesday night still king… or is Sunday night (or another night entirely) the better move for youth ministry?

In Episode 102, Mike and Kyle jump into one of the most debated topics in youth ministry programming: What night of the week actually works best? From tradition and volunteer availability to student schedules, sports, church culture, and family rhythms — we break down the real pros and cons of Wednesday nights, Sunday nights, and even alternative options.

We also talk about how to know when it’s time to make a change, what to evaluate before you move nights, and how to lead that transition without creating chaos (or at least… less chaos).

Whether you’re in a big church, small church, or somewhere in between, this episode will help you think strategically about your weekly programming.

Visit @Theetapodcast on Instagram and embracetheawkward.com for merch and more!

Episode 101: We Fired DJ!

Fri, 06 Feb 2026 10:00:00 -0600

After more than a year away, Embrace the Awkward is officially back for Season 2. And yes… things look a little different. DJ is out as co-host, Mike is in and we decided the only right way to handle it was to fully embrace the awkward. (No, you will not actually see DJ get fired live… sorry to disappoint).

In this relaunch episode, we’re being fully transparent. We talk about where Kyle and DJ have been over the last year, introduce you to Big Mike, and share what you can expect from the future of the podcast. New season, new direction, same awkward conversations that help youth workers handle ministry better.

Visit @Theetapodcast on Instagram and embracetheawkward.com for merch and more!

Episode 72: 20 Ways You Can Use A.I. TODAY in Ministry!

Tue, 05 Dec 2023 16:00:00 -0600

In todays episode, Kyle and DJ talk about 20 ways that you can use AI to help save you time and energy. The reality is, there are endless ways to use AI, and even though this list is aimed towards youth ministry, we'd love to hear how you use AI in your daily life!

Episode 71 PART TWO: The Theology of A.I.

Tue, 05 Dec 2023 16:00:00 -0600

In part two of this episode, Kyle and DJ talk through some of the concerns and questions the church may have about AI. Be sure to listen to upcoming episodes to find more ways on how to use AI every day!

Episode 71 PART ONE: The Theology of A.I.

Tue, 05 Dec 2023 16:00:00 -0600

We are living in an artificial world... okay, maybe it's not that deep. AI has taken over our world almost over night. In this episode, Kyle and DJ dig in to the theology of AI, and over the next few episodes we will talk about AI and how you can use it for ministry!

Episode 70: Top 10 Icebreakers for Small Groups!

Tue, 15 Aug 2023 00:00:00 -0500

You know the drill, Tips and Tricks! Join us for episode 70 where Kyle and DJ share their favorite ice breaker activities that you can use any time to break the awkward barriers for students!

Episode 69: Keep Your Small Groups Engaged

Tue, 01 Aug 2023 00:00:00 -0500

Small groups can be awkward, and it can be truly difficult to keep students engaged. In this episode, Kyle and DJ share some tried and true tips and tricks for keeping students engaged in small groups.

Episode 68: Small Group Horror Stories

Tue, 18 Jul 2023 00:00:00 -0500

Let's face it. Small groups can be pretty tough. Sometimes it can seem like no-one is listen... or maybe worse, they just don't like you. MOST OF THE TIME, these things aren't true. But you don't have lead small groups with students long before you face your own potential horror story. In this episode, DJ and Kyle share a few of their horror stories from over the years; some more minor, some... well, you'll hear for yourself.

BONUS: Everything You Need To Know About BeReal!

Tue, 04 Jul 2023 00:00:00 -0500

A new app has swept the nation! Here's what you need to know. Join Kyle and DJ as they give REAL advice about the new app BeReal!

Episode 67: Evaluate Your Social Media

Tue, 27 Jun 2023 00:00:00 -0500

Social media is an incredible tool, but if we are being honest, we wish our socials were better. Even if you only have instagram, it is worth evaluating, and in this episode, we help you not only start to evaluate how your social media is doing, but we also give some tips and tricks on how to have a better social media for your ministry!

Episode 66: 2023 Predictions (half way through)

Mon, 26 Jun 2023 15:00:00 -0500

DJ is finally married and he is now completely without excuses to post episodes! We're kicking off the return to our "every other week" programming, we're sharing our 2023 predictions! Now that we are half way through the year, we want to know, do you see these things playing out in your world? What trends are you seeing? Let us know on our instagram!

Episode 65: Should You Play Games?

Thu, 20 Apr 2023 11:00:00 -0500

Are games going away in youth ministry? In recent years, playing games has fallen under controversy. Should you still be playing games and having a fun loaded youth ministry? Kyle and DJ address the topic head on in this episode. What do you think? Let us know on our instagram at @theetapodcast!

Episode 64: Awkward Book Club

Tue, 27 Dec 2022 00:00:00 -0600

Yet another installment of the official award book club, where Kyle and DJ review outdated ministry books. Todays episode features a very special type of paper use on overhead projectors.. what ever those are...

Episode 63: How To Leave Your Church Well

Thu, 22 Dec 2022 00:00:00 -0600

In the last episode, Kyle interviewed DJ about his new job and about his process of leaving his last church. In this episode, DJ and Kyle give practice tips and tricks to help you handle the awkward season of a job transition well!

Episode 62: What's It Like Leaving?

Thu, 22 Dec 2022 00:00:00 -0600

Unless you stay at the same church your whole life you will be leaving your ministry most likely several times. So we wanted to take the time to help youth workers leave well. We don’t always plan on when we leave. Sometimes things are out of our control. But we can control how we leave. This multi-episode will deal with how to leave so it’s best for everyone.

Episode 61: The Youth Worker Exodus

Thu, 22 Dec 2022 00:00:00 -0600

Why are youth workers leaving so fast? No career choice is immune to the great resignation. In this three part series, Kyle and DJ talk about why youth workers are leaving, how to leave well, and some big news from DJ! God will never leave you nor forsake you, but your youth pastor? They’ll be gone before you graduate.

Episode 60: 10 Pages You Need to Follow IMMEDIATELY!

Tue, 20 Dec 2022 00:00:00 -0600

Social media has given us a great way to check out influencers from all over the world. Kyle and DJ love following all types of ministry and organization leaders. This is our 10 must follow list for this season! Who do you follow that you love?

Episode 59: The Intern Perspective

Tue, 13 Dec 2022 23:00:00 -0600

In this episode, DJ and Kyle interview their 2022 summer interns and play a few games to see if they REALLY have the youth ministry it factor. Listen to hear about their perspective of their internship opportunity, the good and bad!

Episode 58: CaMp HoRroR StOriEs!!!

Tue, 25 Oct 2022 00:00:00 -0500

Its a spooky scary episode, so we're telling some haunt-free stories from our storied past in youth ministry. What crazy stories do you have?

Episode 57: Defeat the Camp Fall-off!

Sun, 16 Oct 2022 21:00:00 -0500

We all miss church camp. AND, we all wish we could live on the mountaintop experience that camp is for so many. Even though we can't, we can learn how to follow up on the camp high and maximize the ways God moved in our students!

Episode 56: Awkward Book Club - X rated

Sun, 16 Oct 2022 21:00:00 -0500

In this awkward book club (our third!) DJ and Kyle review some *spicy* books that are past their time. What kind of advice did they find?

Episode 55: How to start a TikTok for Your Ministry

Tue, 05 Jul 2022 00:00:00 -0500

In this episode, DJ and Kyle share advice on how to start a TikTok account for your youth ministry! TikTok is quickly on it's way to becoming the largest social media app available, and like many apps, it can be a GREAT tool for your ministry. What TikTok dance should Kyle learn and post? Let us know on our instagram at @theetapodcast!

Episode 54: How to Promote for Summer Camp

Tue, 21 Jun 2022 13:00:00 -0500

CAMP SEASON IS UPON US! Kyle and DJ just finished up camp season. As you know, one of the hardest things can be getting people to sign up! In this episode, DJ and Kyle talk about how to promote for camps well without being totally overbearing!

Episode 53: "Watch Your Profanity!"

Tue, 21 Jun 2022 13:00:00 -0500

Sorry for the long wait! Camp season was crazy! We just don't know what you would do without us though, so we're back to it! In this episode, Kyle and DJ talk about 20 words you should STOP using in your ministry. These aren't necessary profane words, but some are a little outdated. What do you think? Agree? Disagree? Let us know on our instagram at @theetapodcast!

Episode 52: How to Change Your Youth Groups Name

Tue, 19 Apr 2022 10:00:00 -0500

Welcome to part 2! Did you know we're running an insane contest on our instagram? Go check it out immediately! In the last episode, Kyle and DJ talked about how to evaluate whether or not you might need a new name or logo. Today, Kyle shares his battle tested plan for changing the name of a youth ministry.

Episode 51: Should I Change My Youth Group’s Name?

Mon, 04 Apr 2022 15:00:00 -0500

In this episode, Kyle and DJ talk about how to assess if your ministry needs a new name, or maybe its time for a new logo! Acronyms, while a youth workers best friend, are outdated. So where do we go from here? What if you decide you need a new logo or name? We want to help you out! We are offering a chance to have your name and logo PROFESSIONALLY rebranded for FREE! Listen to this episode and the next for entry details.

Episode 50: Top Ten Sermon Illustration Mistakes

Tue, 01 Mar 2022 09:00:00 -0600

In this episode, DJ and Kyle share their top ten list of mistakes we often make when giving an illustration. We all know illustrations can be powerful, and we want to help you maximize the moment by giving some practical tips and tricks to make your illustrations hit!

Episode 49: Keeping Your Youth Ministry Budget

Fri, 21 Jan 2022 14:00:00 -0600

ALT NAME: How to not look like an idiot. Jk, but really. Nothing erodes trust in church leadership more, other than sin, than blowing your budget. In this episode, we address some tips and tricks to running and maintaining a youth ministry budget,

Episode 48: Creating a Youth Ministry Budget

Tue, 21 Dec 2021 14:00:00 -0600

At the end of the year, every youth worker must answer to the question of "Why do you need so much money? For pizza?" In this episode, Kyle and DJ share some of their tips and tricks for creating a healthy youth ministry budget. Grab your pens and your calculator!

Episode 47: 30 Quick Tips to Leading Better Small Group Discussions

Tue, 23 Nov 2021 16:00:00 -0600

Kyle and DJ give 30 quick tips to one of the most difficult problems in youth ministry, getting your students to talk! Let us know what tips you would add!

Episode 46: Confessions of a Youth Pastor

Tue, 23 Nov 2021 16:00:00 -0600

In this episode, DJ and Kyle ask each other awkward questions and get real about some of the crazy things that happen in youth ministry.

Episode 45: 5 Fresh Evangelism Methods Youth Ministries Should Try

Sat, 23 Oct 2021 12:00:00 -0500

In this episode, Kyle and DJ follow up their last episode with 5 fresh evangelism methods that are super easy and immediately applicable in your ministry! If you haven't yet listened to episode 44, go right now!

Episode 44: 5 Outdated Evangelism Methods Youth Ministries Should Avoid

Tue, 28 Sep 2021 15:00:00 -0500

Outdated and Evangelism usually don't go together in the same sentence. However, as times change, different methods become more effective or less effective. In today's episode, Kyle and DJ talk about a few outdated methods, and the importance of not changing the What of evangelism, but constantly changing the How.

Episode 43: 7 Tips to Building a Stellar Resumè

Tue, 14 Sep 2021 09:00:00 -0500

Looking for a new job? Wondering if your resumè needs some sprucing but don't know where to start? In this episode, Kyle and DJ talk about some practical tips and tricks for writing a killer resumè that is sure to win you a job!

Episode 42: The Intern Experience

Tue, 31 Aug 2021 14:00:00 -0500

In this episode, Kyle and DJ interview their summer interns to get their perspectives on their summer internships. Dalton, Caleb and Sean were great to have on and to be around this summer! (Most of the time...)

Episode 41: Awkward Book Club!

Tue, 17 Aug 2021 13:00:00 -0500

In this third edition of the Awkward Book Club, DJ and Kyle review some ancient ministry books. If this is your first time attending the ABC, and you love it as much as we do, be sure to check out our earlier installments!

Episode 39: The 5 relationships You Need!

Sun, 01 Aug 2021 08:00:00 -0500

In this episode, DJ and Kyle talk about 5 of the most important relationships you need in youth ministry. These are important, and will help you be a better youth worker!

Episode 40: The Top Ten Kids You Meet at Camp

Thu, 29 Jul 2021 14:00:00 -0500

In our 40th episode, DJ and Kyle give the top ten list of the type of students you will run into at camps! What do you think? Are there more? Let us know on our Instagram at @theetapodast!

Episode 38: New Student Trends in a Post-COVID World

Mon, 28 Jun 2021 13:00:00 -0500

Is COVID over? Maybe not. But, there is light in the tunnel. COVID changed a lot. Students' and families' words were rocked. In this episode, DJ and Kyle talk about several new student trends in a post COVID world.

Episode 37: Surprised by Summer? 5 Tips and Tricks for An Awesome Summer!

Wed, 26 May 2021 11:00:00 -0500

Summer can totally sneak up on you, and guess what. It is here! In episode 37, DJ and Kyle give five practical tips and tricks to help you plan an AMAZING summer! Share this episode with someone who has made your summer awesome in the past!

Episode 36: Finishing the School Year Strong

Tue, 11 May 2021 09:00:00 -0500

Have you or a loved one looked at the date recently and exclaimed, "Wow, it's May?" As we wrap up another school year, Kyle and DJ want to bring you some practical tips and tricks for wrap up your school year well, and finish strong!

Episode 35: Everything You Need To Plan a Mission Trip - Minus Fundraising

Wed, 28 Apr 2021 13:00:00 -0500

In this episode, Kyle and DJ share some practical tips and tricks for planning your mission trip. Have questions? Need more info? Be sure to check out our instagram for some extra tips and tricks!

Episode 34: Kyles Trip to Costa Rica

Thu, 15 Apr 2021 20:00:00 -0500

In this episode, DJ interviews Kyle about his experience on his mission trip to Costa Rica during COVID-19.

Episode 33: The Downside to Short-Term Missions

Tue, 30 Mar 2021 00:00:00 -0500

What? Yep, you read that right. Even though you might not think it, there IS a downside to short term missions. In this episode, DJ and Kyle talk about some of the things we often dismiss or don't think about in mission trips. If you haven't listened to episode 32, go check it out now!

Episode 32: Pros and Cons of Short Term Missions

Sat, 13 Mar 2021 10:00:00 -0600

As youth workers, missions is obviously so important. In this episode, DJ and Kyle are talking about the positive and negative sides of short term mission trips. Maybe surprisingly, there might be a few negative sides, but the positives are so, so great. Tune in for this episode full of wisdom from Kyles years of mission trips!

Episode 31: Awkward Book Club

Fri, 05 Mar 2021 10:00:00 -0600

In the second installment of the Awkward Book Club, DJ and Kyle review a few well-aged ministry books. Be sure to share with us your dust collecting books from your shelf!

Episode 30: Top Ten Tips and Tricks for Multi-sensory Preaching

Thu, 11 Feb 2021 23:00:00 -0600

If you haven't listened to our last few episodes, GO DO IT NOW! In this episode, DJ and Kyle give their top ten tips for multi-sensory preaching and teaching, which engages more senses than one, and will DRIVE YOUR ENGAGEMENT UP wildly.

Episode 29: Tips For Multi-sensory Preaching

Fri, 05 Feb 2021 14:00:00 -0600

In this episode, Kyle and DJ talk about how we can be better at teaching and preaching by using more senses than just hearing. You have a powerful message, and that message deserves to be said in a powerful way.

Episode 28: Maximize Your Stage Time

Thu, 28 Jan 2021 00:00:00 -0600

How can you get the most out of your time on stage? We all want to be great speakers. How can we be engaging speakers with a lasting effect. As youth workers, our message is important. In this four part series, Kyle and DJ want to give you practical tips and tricks to be a better speaker, increase your engagement, maximize your stage time, and amp up your illustrations game through multi sensory teaching.

Episode 27: Increasing Your Engagement

Wed, 27 Jan 2021 16:00:00 -0600

In this episode, Kyle and DJ talk about increasing the audience engagements in your sermons and messages. What you say is important. How can you keep your audience interested?

Episode 26.2: How to Get the Most Out of Worship with Jake Stemo

Thu, 21 Jan 2021 00:00:00 -0600

In this episode, Kyle and DJ are joined by the amazing Jake Stemo, leader of Presence Worship. Jake brings amazing experience and passion for the Kingdom, and in episode 26, discusses everything from starting a youth band from nothing to the importance of true worship in John 4.

Episode 26.1: How to Get the Most Out of Worship with Jake Stemo

Thu, 14 Jan 2021 18:00:00 -0600

Episode 25: 2021 Predictions

Thu, 07 Jan 2021 00:00:00 -0600

In this episode, Kyle and DJ talk about their predictions (some strange, some scary, some passionately accurate) for the year. 2020 was a year like no-one could have imagined. What are your predictions for the church in 2021? Let us know on the Embrace the Awkward Podcast community on Facebook!

MERRY CHRISTMAS!

Tue, 05 Jan 2021 16:00:00 -0600

Episode 23: What to do When You Follow a Really Good Youth Worker

Fri, 18 Dec 2020 16:00:00 -0600

In the last episode, Kyle and DJ talked about the awkwardness of following a really bad youth worker. You might seem like the savior! There are, however, two sides to every coin. Sometimes, you might follow a really good youth worker. You might have to win favor, or overcome a preconceived notion about yourself.

Episode 22: What To Do When You Follow a Bad Youth Worker

Thu, 10 Dec 2020 17:00:00 -0600

The reality is, someone will come after you. In your case, you probably came after someone! What do you do when the person you are following was pretty bad? In this episode, Kyle and DJ discuss how to start your job on the right foot when you find yourself in this position. In part 2, we flip the coin and take a look at how to follow a great youth worker.

Episode 21: Awkward Book Club presents Outdated Ministry Books

Thu, 03 Dec 2020 14:00:00 -0600

In the inception episode of the ABC (awkward book club) DJ and Kyle review several very outdated books. Times have certainly changed, and it can be fun to look back and see the evidence of that.

Episode 20: Top Ten Ways to Ruin Game Time

Thu, 26 Nov 2020 09:00:00 -0600

Episode 20, WOW! We are thankful that you share life with us, and listen to us week after week share about the awkwardness of ministry. In this episode, DJ and Kyle talk about some of the ways to kill game time. Games are necessary for youth ministry, how can we make sure we use them effectively?

Episode 19: Part 2 - Social Media and Parenting

Thu, 19 Nov 2020 00:00:00 -0600

Hey parents! Welcome to the Embrace the Awkward Podcast! As you'll hear, we have one goal in mind, and that is to help you handle awkward better. Parenting can be awkward, we know that. Especially when navigating a teen through the world of social media. We recorded this episode specifically for you, and packed it full of helpful hints and encouragement for you as you parent your student.

Episode 18: Part 1 - Social Media and Youth Ministry

Fri, 13 Nov 2020 15:00:00 -0600

There is no debate. Social Media has quickly overtaken our world. Not only is it an incredible tool, it CAN and SHOULD be used for your ministry. In this episode, DJ and Kyle share some practical advise for your ministry to have a rocking social media presence.

Episode 17: 30 Years in Youth Ministry?

Thu, 05 Nov 2020 14:00:00 -0600

In this episode, DJ and Kyle are excited to welcome on Chris Chambers, who was a youth pastor for over 30 years. DJ and Kyle ask ALL of the questions. How do you make it that long? How did you know it was time to leave? Plus, you won't want to miss the many stories in this episode.

HORROR STORIES: Failed Events

Thu, 29 Oct 2020 00:00:00 -0500

This month, DJ and Kyle are talking about failed events. Have you ever been to a dramatically failed event? Maybe you've even put one on? These can be SO awkward and honestly are defeating. In this episode, you'll hear some funny stories (didn't seem funny in the moment, but sure are now) and some tips on how to better plan. The good news? God can use big and small events for His glory.

HORROR STORIES: Creating an Atheist

Thu, 22 Oct 2020 10:00:00 -0500

Through this month, we are talking about some of the things that scare us as youth workers. In this episode, Kyle and DJ talk about one of their biggest fears in working in ministry, creating an atheist. What if we miss a meeting and a kid never shows up to church again? What if a student leaves your ministry and completely abandons their faith? Why is this even a scary thought? Because we're taking about eternity, folks!

HORROR STORIES: Mess Ups and Mistakes

Thu, 15 Oct 2020 20:00:00 -0500

This month, we are covering some of our biggest fears in ministry. In this episode, we talk about MiStAkEs! If you are anything like DJ, you mess up a lot! (Kyle is perfect...) When we mess up from stage, or say something wrong, what do we do? Most of the time, it's a minor mistake. But reacting wrong in these moments can create an even bigger mess!

HORROR STORIES: Losing Students From a Break Up

Thu, 08 Oct 2020 00:00:00 -0500

This month, we are hitting some of the things that have scared us or scare us the most in ministry. In this episode, DJ and Kyle talk about the realities and effects of break ups within your ministry. How can we handle these SUPER awkward moments well? It's always painful to lose a student.

Episode 12: A Response to The Social Dilemma

Thu, 01 Oct 2020 00:00:00 -0500

In this episode, DJ and Kyle respond to the Netflix original documentary, The Social Dilemma. Social media has overtaken our world. Has it overtaken us as humans as well? In this episode, we discuss our live response to the film.

Episode 11: Our Most Awkward Episode Yet

Thu, 24 Sep 2020 13:00:00 -0500

As youth workers, sometimes we face some, well, really awkward questions. DJ and Kyle ask each other some of the awkward questions that they have actually been asked. Don't worry if the podcast pauses, embrace that awkward moments, because we are trying to process what we have just been asked.

Episode 10: TOP TEN: Reasons Why You Shouldn't Go Into Youth Ministry

Thu, 17 Sep 2020 00:00:00 -0500

In this episode, Kyle and DJ give their top ten list of reasons why you SHOULDN'T go in to youth ministry. Have we caught your attention yet? Every ten episodes, Embrace the Awkward will do a top ten list of some kind. At the end of the episode, a winner of our contest from episode 8 is announced!

Episode 9: Praise Break - Out of the Box Soul Care

Thu, 10 Sep 2020 00:00:00 -0500

Caring for ourselves spiritually is so important for our relationship with Jesus, and the effectiveness and longevity of our career. In this Episode, Kyle and DJ talk about some easy and different ways to get quiet and connect with God.

Mentioned:

https://www.youversion.com
https://careynieuwhof.com/mypodcast/
https://www.streetlightsbible.com
https://www.audible.com

Episode 8: Things That Aren't In Your Job Description

Thu, 03 Sep 2020 00:00:00 -0500

In this episode, Kyle and DJ talk about some of the weird or awkward jobs that sometimes fall on the youth worker. For some reasons, youth workers automatically become jack-of-all trades. What are some of the weird jobs, and why are they given to us? Be sure to let us know on instagram or in our Facebook community group for a chance to win some limited edition Embrace the Awkward gear!

Episode 7: Guiding Parents When You're Not a Parent

Thu, 27 Aug 2020 10:00:00 -0500

In this episode, Kyle and DJ talk about something really, well, awkward. Youth ministry is family ministry! We don't want to take the parents place, but team up with them! But, it can be difficult to do for many reasons. How can you guide parents when you don't have a kid, or maybe aren't even married! In episode 7, you'll find practical tips on ways to better help parents in raising a student with a faith that lasts a life time.

Want to do extra research? Check out these websites!

https://axis.org
https://cpyu.org

Be sure to join our Facebook community group! https://www.facebook.com/groups/597787954204934/

Episode 6: Seizing the "Big Church" Preaching Opportunity

Thu, 20 Aug 2020 00:00:00 -0500

In episode 6, DJ and Kyle discuss preaching in "Big Church", as we youth workers call it, or preaching on Sunday Morning. There's no such thing as a wasted Sunday. It is good for us to preach in big church! But, should we ask? How do we ask? What are some tips to help you preach? You might face some obstacles, but the reward is worth it. Get ready, listening to this episode may cause comments after you preach like, "you should be a real pastor!"

Episode 5 | Part 2: The Intern Perspective

Thu, 13 Aug 2020 00:00:00 -0500

In part two of this two part episode, DJ and Kyle ask Derek the intern questions in the hot seat. Derek has a clear passion for sharing the gospel with students, and interned along with another youth influencer this summer. DJ, Kyle and Derek talk about what Derek learned, his calling, Pokemon and more!

Episode 5 | Part 1: Maximizing Summer Internship Experiences

Thu, 13 Aug 2020 00:00:00 -0500

In part one of this two part episode, Kyle and DJ talk about the benefits of a summer intern, where to look for one, and give some ideas for maximizing your interns experiences. We have the awesome ability to create lifelong youth influencers.

In part 2, Derek the intern joins DJ and Kyle in the hot seat for an interview!

Click the link to see Kyles intern exit review. https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSdW48XToxGikpOnPSPkJky9ZMUoNuU3r3zh2k6E7cF8Ww7qeQ/viewform?vc=0&c=0&w=1

Episode 4: A Friendship of Pranks

Thu, 06 Aug 2020 00:00:00 -0500

In this episode, DJ and Kyle tell the tragic, painful, fry-tip filled story of how they met. Pranks are an integral to youth ministry. Check out the funny story of how the Embrace the Awkward Podcast got started!

Episode 3: Wowing Your Leaders

Thu, 30 Jul 2020 00:00:00 -0500

Your leaders are the lifeblood of your ministry. Caring well for your leaders, physically and spiritually, can only impact your ministry positively. In this episode, Kyle and DJ give some practical tips and advice that can be integrated in to your ministry easily!

Episode 2: Keep Your Programming Weird

Thu, 23 Jul 2020 00:00:00 -0500

Kyle and DJ talk about programming, why it's important to your ministry, and give some practical ideas to keep things weird!

Be sure to follow on instagram (@theetapodcast) and join our Facebook community (Embrace the Awkward Community)! Thanks for being our friend!

Episode 1: Dating as a Youth Worker

Thu, 16 Jul 2020 00:00:00 -0500

In this episode, Kyle and DJ discuss one of the most awkward things in youth ministry. Dating as Youth Worker. Your relationship is an example for your students, and they are watching.

Episode 0: Here's What You Need To Know

Wed, 15 Jul 2020 21:00:00 -0500

Welcome to the Embrace the Awkward Podcast! In episode 0, DJ and Kyle talk about the heart behind this podcast. Youth ministry can be very awkward, but out of the awkward, powerful ministry can happen. We can't make the awkward disappear, but we want to help you handle it better!

Follow us on instagram (@theetapodcast) and join our Facebook community group (Embrace the Awkward Podcast Community). Want to talk? Email us at theetapod@gmail.com!