Hey! It's The Luskos

Jonathan Pokluda sits down with Levi and Jennie for a conversation that’s equal parts laugh-out-loud and deeply grounding. JP unpacks his 16-day hospital saga—how it started with a leg not working right, turned into a diagnosis of transverse myelitis, and somehow included an unforgettable “marriage moment” that belongs in the Hall of Fame. From spiritual warfare to being aware without being afraid, and what JP learned while researching Your Story Has a Villain—including the country club moment in Aspen that made everything feel painfully real. Plus: Halloween, discernment, and even the surprisingly practical question of how to use AI as a tool without letting it use you—followed by a closing story about a cold plunge that… never actually happened. Connect with us on social! JP: @jpokluda Levi: @levilusko Jennie: @jennielusko Fresh Life Church: @freshlife [Links] Your Story Has a Villain: https://bit.ly/4ai2rsH  Becoming Something Podcast: https://bit.ly/4rZROB6  Get the 5 Gallon Bucket: https://bit.ly/sdl4sHY  Get the Lusketeer Sticker: https://bit.ly/sdl4sHY  Subscribe for more exclusive content: https://levilusko.com/hitl-subscribe  Time Stamps 0:01:43 – Six-toed cats and the weird grace of being “different” 0:03:24 – JP’s 16-day hospital scare and the symptoms that changed everything 0:16:54 – Real marriage: praying fire for a bowel movement 0:23:20 – Why JP wrote Your Story Has a Villain 0:28:49 – The Aspen Country Club story that made spiritual warfare unmistakable 0:44:06 – Loving God “on purpose,” AI guardrails, and using tools wisely

The Lusko kids join Levi and Jennie for a cozy, hilarious, end-of-2025 family episode—full of memories, real talk, and the kind of side comments only siblings can pull off. Together they look back on the year’s big moments: college life, tennis wins, learner’s permits, a meaningful baptism, and the wild joy of serving together. You’ll hear the behind-the-scenes of the Bolivia mission trip (including travel chaos and a few very memorable mishaps), plus a rapid-fire stroll through favorite podcast episodes, sermon series that hit home, and the books/music that shaped the year. They wrap it all by looking ahead to 2026 with practical goals and spiritual rhythms. Connect with us on social! Levi: @levilusko Jennie: @jennielusko Fresh Life Church: @freshlife [Links] Gospels in a year (Print Ed.): https://bit.ly/4pQG2HN Gospels in a year (Digital Ed.): https://bit.ly/3L4HSWm Movement 2026: https://www.mvmnt26.com Get the 5 Gallon Bucket: https://bit.ly/sdl4sHY Get the Lusketeer Sticker: https://bit.ly/sdl4sHY Subscribe for more exclusive content: https://levilusko.com/hitl-subscribe Time Stamps 0:01:07 – New Year’s as a “holy day” and old-school traditions 0:03:38 – 2025 family updates: college, baptism, tennis, and big milestones 0:08:34 – Bolivia mission trip stories: Compassion kids + travel mayhem 0:13:07 – Favorite podcast moments from the year (and the unforgettable ones) 0:15:07 – Blessed Are the Spiraling launch: 7 cities, 7 days, 7 runs 0:26:35 – What God taught them in 2025 + 2026 goals and a Gospels plan

Visit donate.accessmore.com and give today to help fund more episodes and shows like this.Delirious? frontman and worship pioneer Martin Smith joins Levi for a heartfelt conversation about music, calling, and the long road of faith. Martin shares how a random suggestion from his dad led him from cricket dreams to a secondhand guitar, a Holy Spirit encounter at nineteen, and early worship songs like “Lord, You Have My Heart” and “I Could Sing of Your Love Forever.” They trace the unlikely British wave of worship that swept the world, how Delirious? broke all the “rules,” and why Martin still believes deeply in the local church as the home that saves, shapes, and steadies creatives.  From the near-fatal car accident that pushed him to go “all in” with Cutting Edge/Delirious? to nine-minute spontaneous tracks and leaving holy space in worship, Martin talks about the power of music to heal, deliver, and reorient our hearts. He and Levi explore prophetic songwriting, how some lyrics arrive far beyond our understanding, why streaming stats feel like everyone’s paycheck on display, and how to help a new generation make pure, cutting-edge worship in a numbers-obsessed world. The conversation also gets wonderfully practical and tender—why “the devil hates flags,” what it means to raise a banner and recover undignified praise, how Martin chose to walk away from arenas for the sake of his kids, and the decade he spent in the shadows asking, “Am I done?” Now a grandpa called “Pops,” Martin reflects on legacy, singing “Our God Reigns” with new weight, and learning to embrace each season—whether it’s feeding 20,000 or 4,000—as part of God’s good story.  Connect with us on social!Martin: @martinsmithtvLevi: @leviluskoJennie: @jennieluskoFresh Life Church: @freshlife [Links]Check out more from Martin Smith: https://bit.ly/3M3KJPl Get the 5 Gallon Bucket: https://bit.ly/sdl4sHY Get the Lusketeer Sticker: https://bit.ly/sdl4sHY  Subscribe for more exclusive content: https://levilusko.com/hitl-subscribe  Time Stamps01:16 – From teach-yourself guitar to “Lord, You Have My Heart”11:35 – A midnight crash, Cutting Edge, and saying yes to God20:21 – “Did You Feel the Mountains Tremble” and breaking the worship rulebook29:12 – Was creation sung into being? Music, memory, and wonder31:03 – Romania, gold flags, and why the devil hates flags38:32 – Leaving Delirious?, hidden years, and becoming Pops

Best-selling author and pastor Max Lucado joins Levi and Jennie to talk taming your thoughts, grandparent joy, and the kind of hope that actually holds. Max shares the wild family headline—three daughters pregnant at once—and how becoming “Papa Max” has reshaped his rhythms and perspective. They dive into Max’s new book, Tame Your Thoughts: Three Tools to Renew Your Mind and Transform Your Life, walking through “picky thinking,” spotting the “UFOs” (untruth → false narrative → overreaction), and the practice of uprooting lies and replanting truth. The conversation gets practical on media intake, the real brain/relationship fallout of porn, and Max’s storyteller toolkit—from dog tales to Amelia Earhart—and why the message must always lead the illustration. They wrap with a glimpse of Max’s “The Only One” series on the uniqueness of Christ and a quick nod to tattoos (yes, really). Connect with us on social!Max: @maxlucadoLevi: @leviluskoJennie: @jennieluskoFresh Life Church: @freshlife [Links]Tame Your Thoughts: https://bit.ly/49QUxpNGet the 5 Gallon Bucket: https://bit.ly/sdl4sHYGet the Lusketeer Sticker: https://bit.ly/sdl4sHY Subscribe for more exclusive content: https://levilusko.com/hitl-subscribe Timestamps04:44 – Grandparenting joy, rhythms, and “Papa Max” & “Dee Dee”05:49 – Why Max wrote Tame Your Thoughts and reader feedback07:45 – The three tools: picky thinking, UFOs, and replanting truth16:55 – Guard your intake: screens, sleep, and porn’s real fallout23:31 – How Max collects stories and lets the message lead

Licensed counselor and author Debra Fileta joins Levi and Jennie for a live Q&A on building emotionally healthy homes—whether you’re single, married, or knee-deep in carpools. We kick off with Debra’s new picture book for littles, “Any Day Emotions,” and how naming feelings (even the tricky ones like guilt and jealousy) helps kids learn what to do with them. We also talk about Levi’s new tween book, “Don’t Worry, Warrior,” and why story-driven teaching sticks with 8–12-year-olds.  From there, it’s a fast-paced, heartfelt session tackling real questions: consistent toddler discipline without losing connection, encouragement for single parents finding community, wisdom for blending families with grace and boundaries, and practical ways siblings can repair ruptures with real apologies. We close by reframing “peace at home”—less candlelit calm, more everyday wholeness in Christ amid the beautiful chaos.  Connect with us on social!Debra: @debrafileta Levi: @leviluskoJennie: @jennieluskoFresh Life Church: @freshlife [Links]Any Day Emotions by Debra Fileta: https://bit.ly/4paOT6xDon’t Worry, Warrior By Levi Lusko: https://bit.ly/498LNLsGet the 5 Gallon Bucket: https://bit.ly/sdl4sHYGet the Lusketeer Sticker: https://bit.ly/sdl4sHY Give a year-end gift to send Native youth to Movement Conference!Your generous year-end gift below will remove every barrier so students from the reservations can experience Movement Conference, where they’ll encounter the love and freedom of Jesus.Give Your Gift: https://levilusko.com/ye-donate?&utm_campaign=LLM1225&utm_medium=website&utm_source=podcast&utm_content=pod Subscribe for more exclusive content: https://levilusko.com/hitl-subscribe Time stamps14:06 – What to discuss with your spouse when planning/trying for kids19:13 – How to discipline a toddler consistently while staying connected26:10 – Single mom navigating distance from family and absent father31:06 – “Biblical” approach to blending a newly blended family49:34 – Keeping a peaceful home with hormonal preteens and little ones54:57 – Rhythms to recharge marriage with a 6-month-old at home

World-renowned adventurer, author, and TV host Bear Grylls joins Levi and Jennie Lusko for an unforgettable conversation about courage, faith, and what really matters most. From Man vs. Wild to his newest book The Greatest Story Ever Told, Bear opens up about the challenges of fame, the power of vulnerability, and how the wild continues to point him back to God. Together, they talk about grief, resilience, and the sacred beauty of connection — from Bear’s adventures with world leaders to the quiet strength he’s found through family and faith. You’ll laugh, tear up, and walk away deeply encouraged to live with more purpose and heart, wherever your own wild takes you. Connect with us on social! Bear: @beargrylls Levi: @levilusko Jennie: @jennielusko Fresh Life Church: @freshlife [Links] The Greatest Story Ever Told: https://bit.ly/4hgSltA Keep up with Bear: https://bit.ly/48qR1BV Get the 5 Gallon Bucket: https://bit.ly/sdl4sHY Get the Lusketeer Sticker: https://bit.ly/sdl4sHY Subscribe for more exclusive content: https://levilusko.com/hitl-subscribe Time Stamps: 0:16:06 – Grief, legacy, and quiet resilience 0:27:42 – Huckleberries after fire: rising from ashes 0:38:04 – Turning to the new book (and why it matters) 0:47:17 – How the book’s voices shift: Mary to Thomas and beyond 0:56:59 – Audiobook + recording details and next steps

Worship leader and songwriter Phil Wickham is back—this time with his wife Mallory, who pulls back the curtain on life at home while Phil is on the road. From privacy and boundaries to joyful chaos with kids, they talk honestly about the unseen sacrifices that make visible ministry possible. You’ll hear the story of their relationship (from hesitant boyfriend to wholehearted husband), the reality of Summer Worship Nights—miracles, momentum, and whooping cough—and the everyday stuff: mice in the garage, sprinter van shenanigans, and why a five-gallon bucket is elite family gear. It’s tender, funny, and full of faith for marriages and homes that put Jesus at the center. Connect with us on social! Phil + Mallory: @philwickham Levi: @levilusko Jennie: @jennielusko Fresh Life Church: @freshlife [Links] Listen to Song of The Saints on Spotify: https://bit.ly/48wvAPQ Listen to Song of The Saints on Apple Music: https://bit.ly/42ISrnI Get the 5 Gallon Bucket: https://bit.ly/sdl4sHY Get the Lusketeer Sticker: https://bit.ly/sdl4sHY Subscribe for more exclusive content: https://levilusko.com/hitl-subscribe Time stamps 06:50 – Mallory’s first-ever podcast 23:42 – Mice infestation + whooping cough 36:24 – Billy Graham cameo & Phil raps 38:47 – Sprinter vs. the garage 43:31 – Five-gallon bucket mouse trap 53:27 – Song of the Saints tour preview

Singer-songwriter Josiah Queen joins Levi and Jennie for a warm, joy-filled conversation about his faith, marriage, and music. From writing “I Am Barabbas” to exploring national parks with his wife, Trinity, Josiah opens up about how worship, creativity, and everyday life all weave together into his walk with God. They swap stories about summer tours, cold plunges, and close encounters with buffalo in Yellowstone — plus why Josiah believes his best songs come straight from scripture stored in his heart. It’s an inspiring, down-to-earth episode that celebrates calling, consistency, and God’s surprising sense of humor. Connect with us on social! Josiah: @josiahqueenmusic Levi: @levilusko Jennie: @jennielusko Fresh Life Church: @freshlife [Links] Listen to MT ZION: https://bit.ly/4mWlb3y Sign up for Movement Conference 2026: MVMNT26.com Get the 5 Gallon Bucket: https://bit.ly/sdl4sHY Get the Lusketeer Sticker: https://bit.ly/sdl4sHY Subscribe for more exclusive content: https://levilusko.com/hitl-subscribe Timestamps 6:03 – Summer Worship Nights with Brandon & Phil 08:14 – Cruise chaos & a sketchy flight 11:02 – National parks bucket list + Glacier invite 16:51 – Buffalo standoff in Yellowstone 19:21 – Supervolcano talk: wonder without panic 33:01 – Cold plunges: Levi’s case for the cold

In this moving and deeply personal episode, Levi and Jennie sit down with Shawn and Jill Johnson to talk about their new book Kiss the Fire—a message born straight out of pain, perseverance, and the unwavering hope they’ve found in Jesus. Shawn opens up about his journey with Parkinson’s and the moment everything changed with one doctor’s appointment, while Jill shares what it looks like to cling to faith when life takes an unexpected turn. Together, the Johnsons reveal how “kissing the fire” has become more than just a phrase—it’s their daily declaration to keep trusting God, even when the flames are fierce. This conversation is raw, honest, and full of life-giving encouragement for anyone walking through their own season of struggle.  Connect with us on social!  Shawn: @shawnjohnsonrrc  Jill: @jilljohnson03  Levi: @levilusko  Jennie: @jennielusko  Fresh Life Church: @freshlife Read Kiss the Fire: http://bit.ly/3IQQMFU Red Rocks Worship Tour: http://bit.ly/3J1lWua Get the 5 Gallon Bucket: https://bit.ly/sdl4sHY Get the Lusketeer Sticker: https://bit.ly/sdl4sHY Subscribe for more exclusive content: https://levilusko.com/hitl-subscribe  Time Stamps:  01:09 – The diagnosis  06:06 – Kiss the Fire  08:12 – Writing through pain  10:53 – Hope in the hard days  21:48 – Finding balance and healing  29:45 – A prayer for the fight

Comedian, influencer, and newly minted Radio DJ Lacy Abercrombie joins Levi for a joy-soaked, heartfelt conversation recorded during the MVMNT Conference. From DJ Lennox’s eight-year-old hype set to lakeside moments with God, this one swings between belly laughs and holy ground. Lacy opens up about leading altar ministry after a powerful message on purity, body shame, and freedom in Jesus — and why honest conversations matter for this generation.  You’ll also hear why Lacy’s moving to Franklin, Tennessee, and stepping into a new season as Air1’s midday host, plus the story behind Stay Here and practical ways churches and parents can champion mental health. Come for the Bieber jokes; stay for the blessing, the courage, and the call to love Jesus with everything.  Connect with us on social!  Lacy: @abercrombielacy  Levi: @levilusko  Jennie: @jennielusko  Fresh Life Church: @freshlife  [Links] Stay Here: https://bit.ly/42kdug3 Catch Lacy on Air1 Radio 11am-3pm ET: https://bit.ly/3KP1TQ0 Get the 5 Gallon Bucket: https://bit.ly/sdl4sHY Get the Lusketeer Sticker: https://bit.ly/sdl4sHY Subscribe for more exclusive content: https://levilusko.com/hitl-subscribe  Time Stamps  0:03:17 – MVMNT Conference highs & “love the snot out of Jesus”  0:08:46 – Altar moments and a frank talk on purity  0:10:57 – What is Stay Here? Suicide prevention with ACT training  0:15:07 – Sunset worship, “The Blessing,” and Montana memories  0:16:51 – Big news: Franklin move + Air1 midday host  0:23:53 – Kindle-walks, reading rhythms, and going back to school