The RELEVANT Podcast

This week we talk to singer, songwriter and worship leader Kim Walker-Smith. As part of the Jesus Culture Band, Kim's voice is widely recognized, and her solo projects and new album with husband Skyler Smith, have helped make her one of our favorite worship leaders in today's church. During the rest of the podcast, the crew takes things down a few notches by talking about the wonders of falconry, old band names, and of course, the royal baby. A big thanks to our sponsor, Audible.com, the leading provider of premium digital spoken audio information and entertainment on the Internet. They're giving all RELEVANT Podcast listeners a free audiobook! To get yours, click here. Also thanks to the episode's sponsor, Tonx Coffee, an amazing new roaster out of LA. They source beans directly from the growers, roast them, and ship within 24 hours so they're as fresh as can be. For a free sample, check out Tonx.org/RELEVANT. Subscribe to the RELEVANT Podcast via iTunes, download the episode MP3 here, or add our RSS feed to any other podcast aggregator.

This week we talk to writer Tim Siedell - better known on Twitter as @badbanana. Tim is one of the funniest people on Twitter, having been put on the "must follow" list by the likes of Paste and MSNBC. We also spotlight up and coming Pop/R&B band, Haim, find out why Cameron had to take a court-ordered motorcycle class and discuss how Sharknado is bringing our country together. A big thanks to the sponsor of this week's show, Warby Parker. Warby offers an easy way to buy fashion-forward prescription glasses and sunglasses online for only $95—and as part of our partnership, they're giving all RELEVANT Podcast listeners free expedited 2-day shipping on your purchase! To get your free home try-on and the shipping discount, visit WarbyParker.com and enter the promo code "RELEVANT" during your final check-out. Listen for more info on the show. We love Warby. Subscribe to the RELEVANT Podcast via iTunes, download the episode MP3 here, or add our RSS feed to any other podcast aggregator.

This week we talk to novelist and short story writer, Karen Russell. She is a Pulitzer Prize finalist, a New York Times best seller and author of the new book, Vampires in the Lemon Grove. We also spotlight a great new indie-rock band, Telekinesis. Crazy, but the whole band is just one guy. And it wouldn't be a typical podcast without calling the next hipster trend, planning a RELEVANT wedding and watching television for dogs. Subscribe to the RELEVANT Podcast via iTunes, download the episode MP3 here, or add our RSS feed to any other podcast aggregator.

This week we talk to one of the hottest bands currently making music, Vampire Weekend. After releasing their new album Modern Vampires of the City, performing on SNL, and gracing the cover of the new RELEVANT Magazine, the band is making their first appearance on our podcast (and we couldn't be happier)! We also play a new round of "Indie Rock Band or Firework," discuss the ethics of head transplants and tell some classic homemade firework stories. Subscribe to the RELEVANT Podcast via iTunes, download the episode MP3 here, or add our RSS feed to any other podcast aggregator.

This week we talk to the eclectic pop-funk band Fitz & the Tantrums. The band has just released their second album, More Than Just a Dream, a soul-influenced gem that deserves to become an instant staple in your summer music lineup. If you're not already familiar, you're going to love these guys! We also go inside the brand new issue of RELEVANT, which features none other than Vampire Weekend on the cover (you can check it out here). Plus, the crew takes on an unhinged pastor, Jon Acuff, Jay-Z, Brendon Fraser, Dennis Leary, Nik Wallenda, Third Day and so much more... A big thanks to our sponsor, Audible.com, the leading provider of premium digital spoken audio information and entertainment on the Internet. They're giving all RELEVANT Podcast listeners a free audiobook! To get yours, click here. Subscribe to the RELEVANT Podcast via iTunes, download the episode MP3 here, or add our RSS feed to any other podcast aggregator.

This week we talk to author and social justice advocate, Christine Caine. Christine recently wrote the book Undaunted and co-founded the anti-human trafficking organization, The A21 Campaign (along with her husband Nick). We also spotlight one of our favorite new worship bands, the Brooklyn-based neo-alternative project Young Oceans. And if that wasn't enough, we introduce a new cast member, welcome back an old cast member, and find out why Jesse once served a church announcement suspension... A big thanks to our sponsor, Audible.com, the leading provider of premium digital spoken audio information and entertainment on the Internet. They're giving all RELEVANT Podcast listeners a free audiobook! To get yours, click here. Subscribe to the RELEVANT Podcast via iTunes, download the episode MP3 here, or add our RSS feed to any other podcast aggregator.

This week we introduce you to a great new indie/electro/pop band, Atlas Genius. The Aussie duo has just released their debut album, When It Was Now, featuring the hit song, "Trojans." We also talk to author and social entrepreneur Jeff Shinabarger. He's the guy behind GiftCardGiver and Plywood People, and has recently released the book More or Less: Choosing a Lifestyle of Excessive Generosity. Fire up the grill and take the cover off the pool because the Boys of Summer are back! A big thanks to the sponsor of this week's show, Warby Parker. Warby offers an easy way to buy fashion-forward prescription glasses and sunglasses online for only $95—and as part of our partnership, they're giving all RELEVANT Podcast listeners free expedited 2-day shipping on your purchase! To get your free in-home try-on and the shipping discount, visit WarbyParker.com and enter the promo code "RELEVANT" during your final check-out. Listen for more info on the show. We love Warby. Also thanks to the episode's sponsor, Tonx Coffee, an amazing new roaster out of LA. They source beans directly from the growers, roast them, and ship within 24 hours so they're as fresh as can be. For a free sample, check out Tonx.org/RELEVANT. Subscribe to the RELEVANT Podcast via iTunes, download the episode MP3 here, or add our RSS feed to any other podcast aggregator.

Author, speaker, blogger and podcast-favorite Jon Acuff joins us this week as a guest co-host. We love it when Jon does a podcast with us, and this week we even get him to play against a listener in a "basketball-themed" game. We also introduce you to one of our favorite new hip-hop collectives, Portland's Beautiful Eulogy. You might already be familiar with them as they produced Propaganda's last album, but their debut solo album, Satellite Kite, is a lyrical and musical achievement you definitely don't want to miss out on. Oh, and did you know that you can download it for free? A free podcast AND a free album? You're welcome... A big thanks to our sponsor, Audible.com, the leading provider of premium digital spoken audio information and entertainment on the Internet. They're giving all RELEVANT Podcast listeners a free audiobook! To get yours, click here. Subscribe to the RELEVANT Podcast via iTunes, download the episode MP3 here, or add our RSS feed to any other podcast aggregator.

This week we talk to author and pastor Jonathan Martin about his new book, Prototype. The book creates a vivid understanding of what it means to be loved by God, and the conversation will leave you wanting to hear more (which you can if you listen to the complete, unedited interview below). We also introduce you to guitar-shredding-indie-rocker Marnie Stern, debate the legitimacy of Kickstarter and give our suggestions for summer movies you HAVE to see (Fast & Furious 6 anyone??)... A big thanks to the episode's sponsor, Tonx Coffee, an amazing new roaster out of LA. They source beans directly from the growers, roast them, and ship within 24 hours so they're as fresh as can be. For a free sample, check out Tonx.org/RELEVANT. Subscribe to the RELEVANT Podcast via iTunes, download the episode MP3 here, or add our RSS feed to any other podcast aggregator.

This week we talk to Francis Chan and David Platt about their new project, The Multiply Movement. The prominent authors and speakers talk about the very practical side of Jesus' desire for us to make disciples who make disciples. We also get a listener on the line to compete in a summer game, discuss the separation of church and state, and salute the queen of summer (and master of thighs), Suzanne Somers... A big thanks to the episode's sponsor, Tonx Coffee, an amazing new roaster out of LA. They source beans directly from the growers, roast them, and ship within 24 hours so they're as fresh as can be. For a free sample, check out Tonx.org/RELEVANT. Subscribe to the RELEVANT Podcast via iTunes, download the episode MP3 here, or add our RSS feed to any other podcast aggregator.

This week we spotlight worship leader and former Delirious? frontman Martin Smith. He has a new solo album out (God's Great Dance Floor, Step 01) and he shares with us his heart for God and these new songs he's created. We also talk to innovation leader Bobby Gruenewald. As part of the LifeChurch.tv team, Bobby helped create the YouVersion Bible App, which has been downloaded over 90 million times! And we unveil a new theme (and theme song) for our summer, which includes a Jesse Carey singalong. Let's just say we now understand why Jesse is a writer and not a singer... A big thanks to the sponsor of this week's show, Warby Parker. Warby offers an easy way to buy fashion-forward prescription glasses and sunglasses online for only $95—and as part of our partnership, they're giving all RELEVANT Podcast listeners free expedited 2-day shipping on your purchase! To get your free in-home try-on and the shipping discount, visit WarbyParker.com and enter the promo code "RELEVANT" during your final check-out. Listen for more info on the show. We love Warby. Subscribe to the RELEVANT Podcast via iTunes, download the episode MP3 here, or add our RSS feed to any other podcast aggregator.

This week we spotlight one of our favorite new bands, Leagues. The Nashville rock n' rollers, fronted by industry veteran Thad Cockrell, make music that will force you to sing along and dance, and as summer approaches, we're positive this will be your windows down, volume up, go-to album. We also get a listener on the line to play a game against newly-knighted podcaster, Tyler, and we debate the trustworthiness of some of our world's greatest celebrities. A big thanks to the episode's sponsor, Tonx Coffee, an amazing new roaster out of LA. They source beans directly from the growers, roast them, and ship within 24 hours so they're as fresh as can be. For a free sample, check out Tonx.org/RELEVANT. Subscribe to the RELEVANT Podcast via iTunes, download the episode MP3 here, or add our RSS feed to any other podcast aggregator.

This week we talk to author, speaker, filmmaker and podcast-friend, Donald Miller. He shares his thoughts on the aftermath of Blue Like Jazz The Movie and explains his passion for the work he's currently doing with Storyline. We also talk to the editors about the new issue of RELEVANT Magazine, featuring one of our favorite bands, Phoenix, on the cover! Plus, we uncover Tyler's college freshman year bio and Jesse develops a new business strategy for Hot Pockets. A big thanks to our sponsor, Audible.com, the leading provider of premium digital spoken audio information and entertainment on the Internet. They're giving all RELEVANT Podcast listeners a free audiobook! To get yours, click here. Download the show MP3 here, subscribe to the RELEVANT Podcast via iTunes or add our RSS feed to any other podcast aggregator.

This week we talk to one of our favorite artists, Michael Gungor. His band, Gungor, has just finished recording their upcoming album, so he talks to us about the process and his take on being labeled a "worship" band. We also talk to columnist Kirsten Powers (USA Today, Fox News, ) about the Kermit Gosnell abortion clinic murder trial. Kirsten was the one who initially made the cry that this story should be front-page news, and she brings up some fascinating points in our conversation with her (don't miss the full interview below). And it wouldn't be a podcast without a new Hoodman story, so you can look forward to that too! A big thanks to our sponsor, Audible.com, the leading provider of premium digital spoken audio information and entertainment on the Internet. They're giving all RELEVANT Podcast listeners a free audiobook! To get yours, click here. Thanks also to our sponsor, CreationSwap. Check out free church graphics shared and sold by thousands of designers available at creationswap.com. Download the show MP3 here, subscribe to the RELEVANT Podcast via iTunes or add our RSS feed to any other podcast aggregator.

This week we talk to former NFL Quarterback and Super Bowl MVP Kurt Warner, who has a new show on USA called "The Moment." The show gives ordinary people the opportunity to realize their dreams and rewrite their life stories. We also talk to Page CXVI, a great band that is making hymns accessible and known again. Plus, Tom Cruise, our NCAA basketball recap and the terrifying return of Petman. A big thanks to the episode's sponsor, Tonx Coffee, an amazing new roaster out of LA. They source directly from the growers, roast it, and ship within 24 hours so it’s as fresh as can be. For a free sample, check out Tonx.org/RELEVANT Download the show MP3 here, subscribe to the RELEVANT Podcast via iTunes or add our RSS feed to any other podcast aggregator.