Embrace the Awkward Podcast
82 episodes - English - Latest episode: 5 months ago -Welcome to the Embrace the Awkward Podcast, where we have one goal in mind! To help you handle awkward better! Join DJ and Kyle each week to discuss the weird and fringe moments of life and ministry!
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Episodes
Episode 71 PART TWO: The Theology of A.I.
December 05, 2023 22:00 - 25 minutes - 17.9 MBIn 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 72: 20 Ways You Can Use A.I. TODAY in Ministry!
December 05, 2023 22:00 - 42 minutes - 28.9 MBIn 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 ONE: The Theology of A.I.
December 05, 2023 22:00 - 27 minutes - 18.8 MBWe 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!
August 15, 2023 05:00 - 25 minutes - 17.8 MBYou 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
August 01, 2023 05:00 - 32 minutes - 22.5 MBSmall 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
July 18, 2023 05:00 - 32 minutes - 22.1 MBLet'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!
July 04, 2023 05:00 - 19 minutes - 13.3 MBA 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
June 27, 2023 05:00 - 24 minutes - 16.9 MBSocial 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)
June 26, 2023 20:00 - 39 minutes - 27.3 MBDJ 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?
April 20, 2023 16:00 - 25 minutes - 17.7 MBAre 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
December 27, 2022 06:00 - 17 minutes - 11.8 MBYet 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 61: The Youth Worker Exodus
December 22, 2022 06:00 - 53 minutes - 36.8 MBWhy 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 63: How To Leave Your Church Well
December 22, 2022 06:00 - 34 minutes - 23.6 MBIn 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?
December 22, 2022 06:00 - 46 minutes - 32 MBUnless 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 60: 10 Pages You Need to Follow IMMEDIATELY!
December 20, 2022 06:00 - 31 minutes - 21.3 MBSocial 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
December 14, 2022 05:00 - 52 minutes - 35.8 MBIn 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!!!
October 25, 2022 05:00 - 46 minutes - 32 MBIts 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!
October 17, 2022 02:00 - 21 minutes - 14.7 MBWe 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
October 17, 2022 02:00 - 24 minutes - 17 MBIn 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 56: Awkward Book Club - X rated
October 17, 2022 02:00 - 24 minutes - 17 MBIn 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
July 05, 2022 05:00 - 36 minutes - 25 MBIn 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
June 21, 2022 18:00 - 24 minutes - 16.8 MBCAMP 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!"
June 21, 2022 18:00 - 20 minutes - 14.4 MBSorry 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
April 19, 2022 15:00 - 36 minutes - 25 MBWelcome 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?
April 04, 2022 20:00 - 40 minutes - 27.5 MBIn 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
March 01, 2022 15:00 - 34 minutes - 23.4 MBIn 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
January 21, 2022 20:00 - 21 minutes - 14.6 MBALT 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
December 21, 2021 20:00 - 30 minutes - 21.2 MBAt 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
November 23, 2021 22:00 - 8 minutes - 5.95 MBKyle 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
November 23, 2021 22:00 - 36 minutes - 25.1 MBIn 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
October 23, 2021 17:00 - 21 minutes - 14.9 MBIn 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
September 28, 2021 20:00 - 28 minutes - 19.3 MBOutdated 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
September 14, 2021 14:00 - 27 minutes - 19.1 MBLooking 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
August 31, 2021 19:00 - 31 minutes - 21.5 MBIn 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!
August 17, 2021 18:00 - 30 minutes - 20.6 MBIn 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!
August 01, 2021 13:00 - 21 minutes - 14.9 MBIn 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
July 29, 2021 19:00 - 29 minutes - 20.5 MBIn 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
June 28, 2021 18:00 - 17 minutes - 12.1 MBIs 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!
May 26, 2021 16:00 - 26 minutes - 17.9 MBSummer 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
May 11, 2021 14:00 - 32 minutes - 22.2 MBHave 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
April 28, 2021 18:00 - 28 minutes - 19.4 MBIn 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
April 16, 2021 01:00 - 33 minutes - 23.3 MBIn 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
March 30, 2021 05:00 - 24 minutes - 16.8 MBWhat? 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!
The Downside to Short-Term Missions
March 30, 2021 05:00 - 24 minutes - 16.8 MBWhat? 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
March 13, 2021 16:00 - 28 minutes - 19.4 MBAs 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
March 05, 2021 16:00 - 35 minutes - 24.4 MBIn 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
February 12, 2021 05:00 - 31 minutes - 21.4 MBIf 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
February 05, 2021 20:00 - 39 minutes - 27.3 MBIn 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
January 28, 2021 06:00 - 37 minutes - 25.8 MBHow 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
January 27, 2021 22:00 - 33 minutes - 23.1 MBIn 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?