

The RELEVANT Podcast
RELEVANT Magazine
Since 2005, the show from RELEVANT magazine covering faith, culture and everything in-between! Every Tuesday, Cameron Strang, Jesse Carey, Derek Minor, Emily Brown and Marty bring buzzworthy news for thought-provoking and hilarious conversations!
Episodes
Mentioned books

Dec 18, 2025 • 47min
Impact Conversations: TreVeyon Henderson on Faith & the NFL and Lecrae on Reconstruction & Legacy
In the final episode of the RELEVANT Podcast Impact Conversations series, we sit down with two influential voices using their platforms to point toward something deeper.First, New England Patriots rookie running back TreVeyon Henderson shares how his faith was shaped long before the NFL spotlight. From a season-ending injury at Ohio State that led him to Jesus to helping spark faith gatherings across campus, Henderson talks about spiritual leadership, obedience over outcomes, and what it looks like to follow Christ inside high-pressure locker rooms. His story is also featured in the new docuseries Redemption, now streaming on Prime Video via The Wonder Project.Then, Lecrae, one of the most influential figures in Christian hip-hop, joins the conversation following the release of his 10th album, Reconstruction. He reflects on misunderstanding, therapy, deconstruction and why he believes Christian hip-hop is entering a new era without categories. Lecrae also opens up about legacy, leadership, and his role as a bridge between faith and culture.This episode is presented by World Vision, a global Christian humanitarian organization working to tackle the root causes of poverty and injustice worldwide.Chapters:01:15 – Why TreVeyon Henderson uses his NFL platform for faith02:01 – Growing up with football as a lifeline04:24 – When faith became real during a season-ending injury06:40 – Sleep paralysis, spiritual warfare and healing through prayer08:28 – Faith leadership inside Ohio State football11:33 – Carrying faith into the NFL locker room12:58 – Spiritual disciplines and the “secret place”16:21 – Why faith is rising among professional athletes18:56 – Why Henderson highlighted persecuted Christians in Nigeria22:45 – Lecrae on why Reconstruction is different24:53 – Transparency vs vulnerability in creative work26:08 – Therapy, confidence and owning your voice29:25 – Why Lecrae chose the word “Reconstruction”30:46 – Leadership, loneliness and stewardship33:01 – The future of Christian hip-hop34:41 – Lecrae on legacy and being a bridge between faith and culture44:17 – How Reconstruction invites people back to faithAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

Dec 16, 2025 • 1h 1min
Episode 1280: Director Rian Johnson on Faith, Doubt and the Christian Themes in ‘Knives Out’
Rian Johnson’s new Knives Out film, 'Wake Up Dead Man,' is sparking conversations few mainstream movies ever touch — faith, forgiveness, power and what it actually means to follow Jesus in a polarized world.In this episode, we talk with the filmmaker about growing up in the Church, walking away from faith and why Christ’s teachings — especially “love your enemy” — still shape the stories he wants to tell. Johnson opens up about wrestling with the us-versus-them mentality, the corrupting pull of power and influence, and why he wanted to portray Christian belief with empathy rather than caricature.Plus, the RELEVANT crew debates the best Christmas movie of all time in a chaotic bracket showdown, reacts to surprising year-end culture stories and discusses new research suggesting adolescence doesn’t actually end until age 32.HIGHLIGHTS:01:40 – Why 'Wake Up Dead Man' Feels Like a Gospel Story04:00 – Serving vs. Fighting: Faith and the Culture War06:45 – Why Culture Is More Open to Spiritual Conversations09:20 – Is Wake Up Dead Man the Best Knives Out Movie?12:10 – Is Rian Johnson Done With Faith?13:10 – Christianity vs. Church Culture20:15 – RELEVANT Buzz22:00 – Forrest Frank Breaks Into Google’s “Hum to Search” List26:30 – Theo Von and Morgan Wallen’s Bible Study Revealed32:00 – Rian Johnson on Growing Up Evangelical34:00 – “Arms Wide Open vs. Fists Up” Faith Explained39:00 — SLICES39:20 – New Research Says Adolescence Lasts Until Age 3245:15 – AI Reality TV Is Here (Unfortunately)47:30 – Christmas Movie Bracket ChallengeAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

Dec 9, 2025 • 55min
Episode 1279: Andy Mineo
This week, Andy Mineo joins us for a hilarious and surprisingly vulnerable conversation about reinvention, perfectionism, leaving Reach Records, making his first album in four years and why he almost drove himself crazy trying to get it right. Plus, the cast dives into:– Brandon Lake dominating Billboard’s year-end charts– The ER vs The Pitt IP controversy– Ticketmaster’s takedown– TreVeyon Henderson spotlighting persecuted Christians on the field– A chaotic game of “One Has to Go” that reveals way too much (about Andy)CHAPTERS:1:20 – '90s nostalgia, ER and the IP drama behind The Pitt10:25 – RELEVANT Buzz: Brandon Lake ruled 202515:45 – Olivia Dean takes on Ticketmaster19:50 – TreVeyon Henderson highlights persecuted Christians in Nigeria21:50 – Andy Mineo joins the show22:20 – Why his new album took four years23:40 – Perfectionism, analysis paralysis and moving faster27:10 – More new music is already loading28:35 – Andy & Marty’s 15-year friendship origin story32:05 – “One Has to Go” with Andy41:55 – Parenting, nostalgia and movies that don’t hit the same44:15 – 80s/90s PG movies were NOT PGRemember, you can watch the episode video on YouTube!Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

Dec 4, 2025 • 1h 17min
Impact Conversation Series: Madi Prewett Troutt and Ben Higgins
Madi Prewett Trout, a former Bachelor contestant turned ministry leader, discusses her spiritual journey, emphasizing accountability and the importance of community within the church. Meanwhile, Ben Higgins, also a former Bachelor star, shares his entrepreneurial path, highlighting his mission with Generous Coffee, which donates all profits to nonprofits. Both delve into using their platforms responsibly, balancing faith with fame, and fostering meaningful connections. Their candid insights offer a unique take on purpose-driven living in today's digital age.

Dec 2, 2025 • 1h 1min
Episode 1278: Rend Collective's Chris Llewellyn
Chris Llewellyn, lead singer of the Irish folk worship band Rend Collective, discusses their new album, 'Christmas in Belfast.' He shares fascinating insights into Irish holiday traditions, including candlelit services that inspire a sense of community. The conversation also touches on life between Ireland and Nashville, offering a unique perspective on cultural divides. Additionally, the crew debates the impact of AI on creativity and shares light-hearted celebrity encounter stories, bringing a fun holiday spirit to the discussion.

Dec 1, 2025 • 39min
Impact Conversation Series: Tara-Leigh Cobble and Art Rainer
Tara-Leigh Cobble, the creator of The Bible Recap, shares her journey of building a global Bible-reading community by prioritizing personal impact over metrics. She discusses the challenges of obedience and the costs of her calling, inspired by a listener's transformation. Alongside her, financial expert Art Rainer delves into biblical stewardship, outlining practical steps for generosity, even in tight financial situations. He emphasizes that money is a tool for ministry, encouraging creativity in giving without resources.

Nov 25, 2025 • 53min
Episode 1277: Can We Trust Anything Online Anymore? A Christian Look at AI, Social Media and All Those Rigged Charts
Dive into the chaotic world of online trust as the hosts explore AI artists topping the Christian charts and the impact of foreign troll farms on social media narratives. Kristen Bell's surprise involvement in a Fox News Bible podcast sparks debate, while Nate Bargatze's theme park plans bring laughter. They tackle quirky holiday topics like Thanksgiving pizza and whether pickleball should be banned. With unexpected stories and plenty of laughs, it's a holiday hangout that questions what’s real in our digital lives!

Nov 18, 2025 • 51min
Episode 1276: Passion's Kristian Stanfill on Sobriety, Freedom and His Most Honest Album Yet
Kristian Stanfill, a worship leader and Passion artist, shares his inspiring journey from addiction to five years of sobriety. He reveals how his new album, 'Come to Jesus,' emerged from personal healing and joyful experiences. Kristian discusses the profound revelation that changed his life, the importance of community, and the necessity of vulnerability in recovery. He also offers advice for those struggling with shame and highlights how revisiting his past fuels hope and testimony.

Nov 14, 2025 • 51min
Impact Conversation Series: Bear Grylls and Bobby Gruenewald
Bear Grylls, adventurer and TV icon, dives deep into the intersection of physical and spiritual survival, sharing how writing Jesus’ story as a thriller reshaped his faith. He discusses the unexpected discoveries from rereading the Bible and how authentic narratives of love are surfacing in entertainment. Bobby Gruenewald, founder of the YouVersion Bible App, reflects on the app's journey to over a billion downloads, emphasizing mission-driven innovation and the global hunger for Scripture. Together, they explore how faith and technology can evolve.

Nov 11, 2025 • 58min
Episode 1275: Kings Kaleidoscope's Chad Gardner Joins the Show!
Chad Gardner, lead voice of Kings Kaleidoscope, dives into the band's new album, Asaph's Arrows II, which reimagines classic hymns. He shares insights on creative integrity and the influence of the Mars Hill community on their music. Chad discusses the balance of making hymns accessible and maintaining artistic depth. He also explores the potential for leading worship while expanding into diverse musical avenues. The conversation is blended with lighthearted stories about bad haircuts and quirky scientific discoveries, making for an entertaining listen!


