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About this episode What if the Bible is more than a book we read on our own? In this episode, Annie sits down with Mike McDonald, Chief Strategic Relationships Officer at BibleProject, to talk about helping people discover the Bible as one unified story that leads to Jesus—and why that mission is something we can all share. Mike shares the heart behind BibleProject, an organization that creates free resources to help people understand Scripture. He also talks about a culture built on generosity, humility, creativity, and collaboration, and why he believes there is no competition in the kingdom of God. The conversation explores how Scripture can bring people together across different Christian traditions. Rather than beginning with what divides us, Mike explains how looking at the larger story of the Bible—from Genesis to Revelation—can help us see Jesus at the center. He also challenges us to rediscover the communal nature of Scripture: reading, asking questions, and wrestling with God's Word alongside other people. Finally, we talk about what this looks like in practice, especially in youth ministry. Connect with Us Want to learn more about BibleProject and explore their free resources? Visit bibleproject.com. Have questions about your own youth ministry? Connect with a YDisciple coach to talk through your challenges and get practical advice tailored to your context. Your first coaching call is completely free. Visit ydisciple.com/coaching to schedule a call. We'd love to hear from you! Share your thoughts on this episode and let us know what topics you'd like us to explore next.

About This Episode What if the things we’ve learned through youth ministry aren’t actually just for teenagers? In this episode, Annie, Pete, and Father Chad VanHoose explore what the rest of the Church can learn from the way we minister to young people. From the need to belong and be understood to the importance of friendship, fun, mentorship, and guidance, many of the things we recognize as important for teenagers are actually deeply human needs. We never outgrow our need to be known, to have people walk alongside us, or to experience the joy of life in community. The conversation also explores what happens when adults realize they don't have to pretend they have everything figured out. We all need people who can mentor us, challenge us, and help us grow—and we all need opportunities to encounter Jesus for ourselves, not simply lead others toward Him. Finally, we talk about what this could mean for the life of the Church. What would happen if our parishes became more intentionally multigenerational, if youth ministry wasn't treated as something separate, and if the Church embraced the things youth ministry does well as part of discipleship for everyone? Because maybe youth ministry has more to teach the Church than we realize. Connect with Us Have a question or topic you'd like us to discuss on the podcast? Email us at [email protected]. Want to talk through your own youth ministry context? Connect with a YDisciple coach for a free coaching call at ydisciple.com/coaching. If this episode was helpful, we'd love for you to rate and review the podcast wherever you listen! Reflection for This Week Ask yourself: Where in my life do I need to be more willing to receive guidance or mentorship? What does my youth ministry do well that could benefit the wider life of my parish or ministry? Am I creating opportunities for the people I serve—including adults—to encounter Jesus for themselves?

About This Episode What does youth ministry have to offer in a world where young people can find almost any piece of content they could ever want with a few taps on their phones? Emma Chaplin, Associate Director of Alpha in a Catholic Context, joins Pete and Annie for a conversation about why the answer isn't necessarily better content. Alpha and YDisciple both create content, but both recognize that content is ultimately a tool. What really matters is what happens around it: the relationships, the conversations, the hospitality, and the space where people can ask honest questions and encounter Jesus. Emma shares how her experience working in a coffee shop helped her see the value of "margin"—those unstructured moments where people can slow down, talk, listen, and simply be present to one another. Pete and Annie connect that idea to youth ministry, where some of the most meaningful conversations can happen before the program starts, while everyone is hanging around, or in the moments that weren't planned at all. The conversation also explores the idea that young people need to belong before they can believe. Rather than rushing through every question or trying to fit discipleship into a perfect process, ministry leaders are invited to create spaces where young people feel seen, known, and loved—and where they can become hungry for deeper questions. Connect With Us Learn more about Alpha in a Catholic context at alphausa.org/catholic. Looking for support in your youth ministry? Connect with a YDisciple coach at ydisciple.com/coaching and get practical advice from someone with real ministry experience. Your first coaching call is completely free.

About This Episode The ministry year is starting, and if you're a youth minister, you probably already feel it. There's excitement around a new year, but there's also a lot to do. Programs need to launch, volunteers need to be trained, students need to be welcomed, calendars need to be filled, and suddenly it feels like you're sprinting before you've even made it out of the starting blocks. In this episode, Pete and Annie share five practical ways to start your ministry year well. They talk about safeguarding your personal prayer, building margin into your calendar, looking ahead instead of always reacting to what's urgent, taking a breath when things don't go according to plan, and—perhaps most importantly—prioritizing relationships. Ministry is relational, and healthy ministry isn't built by simply getting more things done. It's built by staying close to Jesus, creating sustainable rhythms, and making sure the people you're serving don't get lost in the middle of everything that needs to happen. Connect With Us Looking for support in your youth ministry? Connect with a YDisciple coach at ydisciple.com/coaching. You can talk through what you're facing, ask questions, and get practical advice tailored to your ministry context. Your first coaching call is completely free.

About This Episode How do we actually help young people discern their vocation? It's easy for youth ministers and ministry leaders to think that fostering vocations means hosting a vocations night, bringing in a religious sister or priest, or encouraging young people to consider religious life. But what if vocation discernment starts much earlier—and much more simply? In this episode, Pete and Annie are joined by Sister Karolyn Nunes and Eve Anders of the Franciscan Sisters of the Martyr St. George for a conversation about prayer, discernment, freedom, and accompanying young people as they discover God's invitation for their lives. Sister Karolyn, a vocation director with more than a decade of experience accompanying young women in discernment, emphasizes that discernment isn't just something we do when deciding our vocation. Discernment is a way of life. The goal is to help young people learn how to recognize the voice of Jesus in their everyday lives. Connect with Us Have questions? Email us at [email protected] Book your free call with a YDisciple Coach at ydisciple.com/coaching Please take a moment to rate & review on Apple Podcasts. Visit theydisciplepodcast.fireside.fm to learn more about the podcast.

About this Episode What happens when a teenager who once said, “I hate YDisciple,” eventually becomes a YDisciple mentor—and discovers that she actually loves it? In this episode of The YDisciple Podcast, Pete Burds and Annie Grandell sit down with Lauren Riggs, a former YDisciple small group member, former mentor, NET Missionary, and current NET Mission Staffer. Lauren shares her unique experience of seeing YDisciple from both sides of the small-group relationship. Lauren remembers her own experience as a teenager: watching videos in a dark room, falling asleep during confirmation, and feeling like there wasn't much real discussion happening. But when she returned as a mentor after high school, she discovered a very different approach. Instead of simply moving through content, her small group focused on conversation, relationships, flexibility, and creating space for the girls to be themselves. That experience became a powerful lesson in what YDisciple is actually trying to accomplish: programs don't make disciples—disciples do. Resources can help facilitate a conversation, but they can't replace the relationship between a mentor and a young person. Ultimately, this episode is an encouragement to mentors and ministry leaders: you don't have to have all the answers, perfectly lead every conversation, or make every meeting go according to plan. Sometimes the most fruitful thing you can do is slow down, listen, empower your young people, and follow the pace of the Holy Spirit. Connect with Us Have questions? Email us at [email protected] Book your free call with a YDisciple Coach at ydisciple.com/coaching Please take a moment to rate & review on Apple Podcasts. Visit theydisciplepodcast.fireside.fm to learn more about the podcast. Reflection for This Week Ask yourself: Am I more focused on getting through my small group guide or on responding to the actual needs of my young people? Where might I need to slow down and give a conversation more room to develop? How can I create more opportunities for the young people I lead to take ownership of their faith and lead one another?

About this Episode Why does one part of ministry leave you energized while another part seems to drain you completely? And what if the answer isn’t simply about personality, but about the way God has gifted you to contribute to a team? In this episode of The YDisciple Podcast, Pete Burds and Annie Grandell dive into Patrick Lencioni’s Working Genius framework and explore how it can give ministry leaders language for understanding the way they naturally approach their work. Rather than simply categorizing personalities, Working Genius looks at how ideas move from a question or need all the way through implementation and completion. Pete and Annie walk through the six working geniuses—Wonder, Invention, Discernment, Galvanizing, Enablement, and Tenacity—and discuss how each contributes something unique to a healthy team. They explore the difference between the work that naturally energizes us, the work we can competently accomplish, and the work that tends to frustrate or drain us. The conversation also explores what this looks like in real ministry settings—from parish teams and volunteers to mission staff and small group mentors. If the ministry is going to be bigger than any one person, we need to recognize the gifts already present in the people around us and create opportunities for those gifts to serve the mission. Connect with Us Have questions? Email us at [email protected] Book your free call with a YDisciple Coach at ydisciple.com/coaching Please take a moment to rate & review on Apple Podcasts Visit https://theydisciplepodcast.fireside.fm/ to learn more about the podcast Reflection for This Week Ask yourself: What areas of ministry naturally give me energy, and what areas tend to drain me? Where might I be using my strengths—or my frustrations—as an excuse instead of an opportunity for growth? Who are the people God has placed around me whose gifts could complement my own and help make the ministry bigger than myself?

About this Episode In this episode of The YDisciple Podcast, Pete Burds and Annie Grandell bring their spouses, Emily and Jason, into the conversation for an honest look at marriage, family, and life in ministry. Together, they talk about the unique challenges that come with being married to someone whose work involves relationships, retreats, late nights, travel, and a calling that doesn't always fit neatly into a 9-to-5 schedule. They also share plenty of stories from their own marriages—including the mistakes, tensions, and lessons they've learned along the way. Pete and Annie talk about the importance of boundaries and expectations—especially when ministry schedules are unpredictable. The spouses share what it looks like to communicate about time, surrender jealousy, support one another's callings, and recognize that different seasons of life may require different roles. And, because this is the YDisciple Podcast, the episode isn't all serious. The conversation ends with a surprisingly revealing question: What is a quirky habit your spouse has that you secretly love? From improvised songs to “bobcat” chip bags and questionable road-trip navigation, it's a reminder that healthy marriages aren't built only on big spiritual conversations—they're also built on friendship, humor, and learning to love the little quirks of the person beside you. Whether you're married to a ministry leader, serving in ministry yourself, or simply trying to figure out how your vocation fits into family life, this episode offers an honest reminder: your ministry matters, but so does the person sitting across the table from you. Connect with Us Have questions? Email us at [email protected] Book your free call with a YDisciple Coach at ydisciple.com/coaching Please take a moment to rate & review on Apple Podcasts Visit theydisciplepodcast.fireside.fm to learn more about the podcast Reflection for This Week Ask yourself: Have I allowed my ministry or work to become part of my identity in a way that competes with my vocation? What expectations around time, family, and ministry do I need to communicate more clearly? How can I better support the vocation of the person I'm married to? What would it look like for our family to discern how we are called to be “on mission” together?

About this Episode What if the most powerful kind of discipleship starts with something incredibly simple: a few people, a little time, and a willingness to say yes? In this episode of The YDisciple Podcast, hosts Pete Burds and Annie Grandell dive into the remarkable story of Jan Tyranowski, a Polish tailor whose quiet life of prayer and discipleship had an extraordinary impact on the Church. During the Nazi occupation of Poland, Jan was asked to care for the young people of his parish after many of the priests were arrested. His response was simple: gather a small group, pray together, and share life together. That small group became known as the Living Rosary, and of the ten young men Jan mentored, eight eventually became priests. One of them would go on to become a bishop, cardinal, pope, and ultimately St. John Paul II. Pete and Annie explore why Jan's story matters so much for youth ministers today. His life offers a powerful example of how small-group discipleship doesn't need to be complicated, expensive, or built around the latest program. It can begin with simply loving the people in front of you, creating space for prayer and relationship, and trusting God with the fruit. They also reflect on the reality that ministry leaders rarely get to see the full impact of their work. Jan died before John Paul II became a bishop, meaning he never saw just how far his investment in one young person would reach. His story invites us to trust that God can multiply the small acts of faithfulness we offer today. Connect with Us Have questions? Email us at [email protected] Book your free call with a YDisciple Coach at ydisciple.com/coaching Please take a moment to rate & review on Apple Podcasts Visit theydisciplepodcast.fireside.fm to learn more about the podcast Reflection for This Week Ask yourself: * Who are the young people God has placed directly in front of me right now? Where might I be overcomplicating discipleship instead of simply creating space for prayer, relationship, and sharing life? What would it look like to faithfully invest in someone even if I never get to see the full fruit of that relationship?

About this Episode It's easy to believe that better youth ministry simply requires better programs, better resources, or a bigger budget. But what if those assumptions are actually holding us back? In this episode, Annie Grandell and Pete Burds continue their Myths in Youth Ministry series by tackling four common misconceptions that many ministry leaders unknowingly carry. Together they discuss why "if you build it, they will come" no longer reflects today's culture, why curriculum is an important tool—but never the solution by itself—and why doing more ministry isn't always the path to greater fruitfulness. They also explore the temptation to compare Catholic ministry with larger Protestant churches and offer a refreshing reminder that every ministry faces similar cultural challenges. Throughout the conversation, Annie and Pete encourage ministry leaders to focus less on perfect programming and more on cultivating trust, relationships, and intentional discipleship. Whether you're serving in a parish, school, or volunteer role, this episode will help you rethink what truly leads to lasting impact in youth ministry. Connect with Us Have questions? Email us at [email protected] Book your free call with a YDisciple Coach at ydisciple.com/coaching Please take a moment to rate & review on Apple Podcasts. Visit https://theydisciplepodcast.fireside.fm/ to learn more about the podcast. Reflection for This Week Ask yourself: Which youth ministry myth have I unknowingly believed or operated from? Am I investing more energy into programs than into relationships? What's one thing I could simplify so I can focus more intentionally on making disciples?

About this Episode Can you build a thriving youth ministry without sacrificing your family, your evenings, or your own well-being? In this episode, Annie Grandell and Pete Burds sit down with Bobby Moren, youth minister at St. John XXIII Parish in Perrysburg, Ohio, to talk about one of the biggest challenges facing ministry leaders today: work-life balance. Bobby shares how he went from spending countless hours planning programs for a handful of students to leading a flourishing small group ministry that now reaches dozens of teens through empowered adult mentors. Together, they explore why ministry leaders often struggle to say "no," how properly ordering our vocations leads to greater joy, and why investing in adult leaders creates healthier, more sustainable discipleship. If you've ever felt overwhelmed by the demands of ministry, this conversation offers practical encouragement—and a hopeful vision for doing more by trying to do less. Connect with Us Have questions? Email us at [email protected] Book your free call with a YDisciple Coach at ydisciple.com/coaching Please take a moment to rate & review on Apple Podcasts. Visit https://theydisciplepodcast.fireside.fm/ to learn more about the podcast. Reflection for This Week Ask yourself: Am I trying to do ministry for people instead of equipping people to do ministry with me? Are my priorities rightly ordered, with my relationship with God and my vocation leading the way? What's one responsibility I could begin sharing with another leader instead of carrying it alone? Prayer Jesus, thank You for calling me to serve Your Church. Give me the wisdom to embrace the mission You've entrusted to me without neglecting the people You've entrusted to my care. Help me invest in others, trust You with what I cannot control, and find lasting joy in a ministry that's rooted in Your design rather than my striving. Amen.

About this Episode Video studies have become a staple of youth ministry—but can we accidentally rely on them too much? In this episode, Annie Grandell and Pete Burds unpack a surprising conviction at the heart of YDisciple: sometimes the best thing your small group can do is stop watching videos. While quality video content can introduce important topics and equip new leaders, it should never replace the relationships where discipleship actually happens. Annie and Pete share practical alternatives to video-based meetings, including Scripture studies, Lectio Divina, Visio Divina, book discussions, service projects, and prayer experiences. They also explain how to evaluate teaching resources through the lens of focus, human dignity, and Christian charity so every tool serves the ultimate goal—helping young people encounter Jesus and grow as disciples. Whether you lead a parish youth group, a Bible study, or a small group of teens, this conversation will help you think differently about the role content should—and shouldn't—play in discipleship. Connect with Us Have questions? Email us at [email protected] Book your free call with a YDisciple Coach at ydisciple.com/coaching Please take a moment to rate & review on Apple Podcasts. Visit https://theydisciplepodcast.fireside.fm/ to learn more about the podcast. Reflection for This Week Ask yourself: Am I using content to support relationships—or to replace them? How could I create more opportunities for my small group to pray, discuss, and grow together without relying on a screen? What's one practical way I can help young people take greater ownership of their faith this week? Prayer Jesus, thank You for inviting us into relationship with You, not simply information about You. Give me the wisdom to use every resource well while never losing sight of the people You've entrusted to me. Help me create spaces where Your Word is encountered, Your love is experienced, and true disciples are formed. Amen.

About this Episode Small groups are great places to learn about the faith—but discipleship was never meant to stay inside the meeting room. In this episode, Annie Grandell and Pete Burds explore why serving together can become one of the most transformative experiences for a small group. Drawing from years of ministry experience, they discuss how service helps teenagers move beyond themselves, strengthens relationships within the group, and creates natural opportunities to live out the Gospel in tangible ways. They also share practical ideas for helping students take ownership of service, from adopting a parish ministry to planning student-led projects that meet real needs in their community. Along the way, they unpack research showing why service resonates so deeply with today's young people and why putting faith into action is an essential part of lifelong discipleship. Whether you're leading a youth group, confirmation program, or discipleship small group, this episode will challenge you to think beyond curriculum and create opportunities for young people to become the hands and feet of Christ. Connect with Us Have questions? Email us at [email protected] Book your free call with a YDisciple Coach at ydisciple.com/coaching Please take a moment to rate & review on Apple Podcasts. Visit https://theydisciplepodcast.fireside.fm/ to learn more about the podcast. Reflection for This Week Ask yourself: How is my small group putting our faith into action—not just talking about it? What gifts and passions has God given our group that could bless our parish or local community? What's one act of service we could plan together in the next month? Prayer Jesus, You came not to be served but to serve. Help me follow Your example by loving my neighbor with generosity and joy. Show me where You're inviting me to step beyond my comfort zone so that others may encounter Your love through my life. Amen.

About this Episode Accountability often gets a bad reputation. It can sound intimidating, uncomfortable, or even legalistic. But what if we've misunderstood it? In this episode, Annie Grandell and Pete Burds explore why accountability is one of the most important tools in discipleship—and why it's about far more than simply checking whether someone completed a challenge. True accountability creates a safe space where young people can grow, fail, be encouraged, and continue taking their next step toward Christ. Together they discuss why habit formation takes time, how mentors can ask meaningful questions without creating shame, and why discipleship is built on relationships rather than checklists. Drawing from practical experience, YDisciple's Five S's framework, and insights on identity-based habits, Annie and Pete offer a vision of accountability rooted in love, trust, and the patient work of the Holy Spirit. Whether you're leading a small group, mentoring young people, or simply seeking to grow in your own faith, this conversation offers practical wisdom for helping discipleship become a way of life rather than another program to complete. Connect with Us Have questions? Email us at [email protected] Book your free call with a YDisciple Coach at ydisciple.com/coaching Please take a moment to rate & review on Apple Podcasts. Visit https://theydisciplepodcast.fireside.fm/ to learn more about the podcast. # Reflection for This Week Ask yourself: Where in my own life do I need someone to lovingly hold me accountable? What's one small habit God may be inviting me to begin or strengthen this week? How can I create an environment where the people I disciple feel both challenged and deeply loved? Prayer Jesus, thank You for Your patience as You continue to shape me into Your disciple. Give me the humility to receive accountability with gratitude and the wisdom to offer it with love. Help me trust that lasting transformation happens one faithful step at a time. Amen.

About this Episode Talking about small group discipleship is one thing. Actually implementing it is another. Recorded live at the Youth Discipleship Sprint, Annie Grandell welcomes ministry leaders Makenzie Connor and Nick Scanlan to share what happened when they moved beyond traditional youth ministry models and embraced small group discipleship in their own parishes. From casting vision with pastors and parents to recruiting mentors, organizing groups, and navigating the inevitable growing pains, they offer an honest look at what it really takes to make discipleship work. Throughout the conversation, they unpack practical strategies for building healthy mentor teams, creating flexible discipleship environments, and allowing the needs of students—not rigid programming—to shape the journey. They also discuss the importance of explaining the "why" behind every change, empowering volunteers to become mentors, and trusting the Holy Spirit to guide conversations beyond the lesson plan. Whether you're just beginning to explore small group discipleship or looking to strengthen what you've already started, this episode is filled with practical encouragement from leaders who have walked the road themselves. Connect with Us Have questions? Email us at [email protected] Book your free call with a YDisciple Coach at ydisciple.com/coaching Please take a moment to rate & review on Apple Podcasts. Visit https://theydisciplepodcast.fireside.fm/ to learn more about the podcast. Reflection for This Week Ask yourself: What's one step I could take to move from running programs to building relationships? Who in my parish might already be waiting for an invitation to become a mentor? Where might God be asking me to trust the process instead of trying to control every outcome? Pray for the courage to take the next faithful step in your ministry, trusting that God often works most powerfully through simple relationships and ordinary people who say "yes."