

DYM Podcast
DYM Podcast Network
Join Doug Fields, Josh Griffin & Matt McGill from the trenches of their youth ministry! Every week they’ll download what happened and share learnings, ideas and tips that will help you be a better youth worker, too! Take half an hour to be refreshed, challenged and get plenty of laughs along the way from these veteran youth workers with 60+ years combined experience. Check out some of the amazing resources and fantastic youth worker community at: http://downloadyouthministry.com
Episodes
Mentioned books

Aug 22, 2025 • 30min
430: Away Game: A Christian Parent's Guide to Navigating Youth Sports - Interview
DYM's Josh Griffin interviews the authors of Away Game: A Christian Parent's Guide to Navigating Youth Sports to help youth workers understand the pressures parents face—and discover practical ways to connect with students who are too busy for traditional church programs. https://www.thechristianathlete.com

Aug 15, 2025 • 44min
429: Staying Power - Interview with Jody Livingston
Josh Griffin from DYM talks with youth worker and author Jody Livingston about his new book Staying Power—a must-read on longevity in youth ministry. They dig into practical habits, hard-earned lessons, and how to stay passionate for the long haul in the calling God has placed on us

Aug 8, 2025 • 52min
428: Leaders Serve Others
Feeling the end-of-summer burnout? Wondering how to lead with impact when you're just trying to keep up? This episode is for you. Join the guys as they unpack what it really means to be a servant leader in the trenches of ministry. Forget the corporate buzzwords; this is a real, practical conversation about the gritty, unseen acts of service that define great leadership. From unclogging toilets on a mission trip to cleaning the church van, get ready for a discussion that will challenge your perspective and inspire you to lead like Jesus.

Jul 11, 2025 • 38min
Ep. 426 — Leaders know how to Inspire and Empower
Matt McGill, Doug Fields, and Josh Griffin dive into the essential balance every youth worker needs to master - knowing when to inspire your team and when to give them tactical direction. They share hilarious stories (including Doug's infamous "funnel rebellion" and Matt's marathon 1 hour 45 minute teaching on Job), practical insights, and real-world examples of how to read the room and adjust your leadership communication. Whether you're working with volunteers, students, or parents, this episode will help you become a more effective leader who knows exactly what people need to hear.

May 30, 2025 • 51min
Ep. 425: Leaders Have Great Meetings
Tired of volunteer meetings that feel like a total drag? Join Josh Griffin and Matthew McGill on the Download Youth Ministry Podcast as they tackle the dreaded "death by meeting" syndrome! They dive deep into why these get-togethers are crucial, how often you really need them, and the secret sauce to making every meeting valuable, encouraging, and even fun. Get ready for practical tips, a lively debate on "mandatory" vs. "required," and insights that will transform your volunteer huddles from snooze-fests to power-packed sessions that build confidence and unity. Tune in and level up your leadership!

Apr 11, 2025 • 37min
Ep. 424 — Leaders Have Strong Convictions
Welcome to the Download Youth Ministry podcast – a casual yet insightful hangout where ministry veterans Matt McGill, Doug Fields, and Josh Griffin dive deep into leadership, convictions, and confidence. In this episode, the friends riff on personal leadership styles, share humorous banter, and discuss the seven essential convictions that every leader needs. With genuine passion and practical tips, the conversation blends faith, ministry insights, and everyday humor. Whether you're a seasoned youth leader or just curious about effective leadership in ministry, this episode promises engaging dialogue and real-world advice you won’t want to miss.

Apr 3, 2025 • 54min
Ep. 423 — Leaders manage their time and energy
The DYM Podcast is a weekly conversational dive into leadership topics for ministry. Hosted by Josh Griffin and Matt McGill, this episode touches on practical time management, setting priorities, and saying “no” when needed. Listeners gain insights into balancing busyness, nurturing relationships, and staying true to one’s values. It’s engaging, insightful, and designed to equip leaders with practical strategies for effective stewardship of their time.Mentioned in the show:ToDoistGet a free month of Opal pro! (Full Disclaimer: I only use the free version because I'm cheap and it works great! But they have this share code so there ya go.) - Producer Travis

Mar 18, 2025 • 16min
422: Interview with Heather Flies, Youth Ministry Speaker for the National Day of Volunteer Training
The National Day of Volunteer Ministry is celebrating it's 7th year of training thousands of volunteers. Josh Griffin sits down and interviews one of our speakers, long-time favorite and Junior High Ministry expert, Heather Flies.Sign up at trainmyvolunteers.com and get your volunteers ready for a year of impactful ministry!

Mar 7, 2025 • 52min
421: Leaders Put God First
Join Josh Griffin and Matt McGill on the Download Youth Ministry podcast as they dive into the heart of leadership and devotion. This episode explores the importance of maintaining a leader's heart for God, balancing productivity with spiritual growth, and the challenges of transparency in ministry. With humor and candid insights, they discuss personal experiences, biblical inspirations, and practical tips for youth ministry leaders. Whether you're a seasoned pastor or new to ministry, this episode offers valuable perspectives and encouragement to deepen your walk with God and lead effectively.

Mar 6, 2025 • 16min
420: Interview with Kellen Moore, Kids Ministry Speaker for the National Day of Training!
For the first time in 7 years, the National Day of Volunteer Ministry is branching out to Kids Ministry! Josh Griffin sits down and interviews one of our speakers, Kellen Moore. Learn more at trainmyvolunteers.com