Embrace the Awkward Podcast
Welcome to the Embrace the Awkward Podcast, where we have one goal in mind! To help you handle awkward better! Join DJ and Kyle each week to discuss the weird and fringe moments of life and ministry!
Episodes
77 episodes
Episode 72: 20 Ways You Can Use A.I. TODAY in Ministry!
In todays episode, Kyle and DJ talk about 20 ways that you can use AI to help save you time and energy. The reality is, there are endless ways to use AI, and even though this list is aimed towards youth ministry, we'd love to hear how you use A...
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Season 2
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Episode 73
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42:04
Episode 71 PART TWO: The Theology of A.I.
In part two of this episode, Kyle and DJ talk through some of the concerns and questions the church may have about AI. Be sure to listen to upcoming episodes to find more ways on how to use AI every day!
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Season 2
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Episode 72
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25:59
Episode 71 PART ONE: The Theology of A.I.
We are living in an artificial world... okay, maybe it's not that deep. AI has taken over our world almost over night. In this episode, Kyle and DJ dig in to the theology of AI, and over the next few episodes we will talk about AI and how you c...
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Season 2
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Episode 71
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27:17
Episode 70: Top 10 Icebreakers for Small Groups!
You know the drill, Tips and Tricks! Join us for episode 70 where Kyle and DJ share their favorite ice breaker activities that you can use any time to break the awkward barriers for students!
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Season 2
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Episode 21
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25:55
Episode 69: Keep Your Small Groups Engaged
Small groups can be awkward, and it can be truly difficult to keep students engaged. In this episode, Kyle and DJ share some tried and true tips and tricks for keeping students engaged in small groups.
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Season 2
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Episode 20
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32:46
Episode 68: Small Group Horror Stories
Let's face it. Small groups can be pretty tough. Sometimes it can seem like no-one is listen... or maybe worse, they just don't like you. MOST OF THE TIME, these things aren't true. But you don't have lead small groups with students long before...
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Season 2
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Episode 19
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32:07
BONUS: Everything You Need To Know About BeReal!
A new app has swept the nation! Here's what you need to know. Join Kyle and DJ as they give REAL advice about the new app BeReal!
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Season 2
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Episode 18
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19:20
Episode 67: Evaluate Your Social Media
Social media is an incredible tool, but if we are being honest, we wish our socials were better. Even if you only have instagram, it is worth evaluating, and in this episode, we help you not only start to evaluate how your social media is doing...
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Season 2
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Episode 17
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24:36
Episode 66: 2023 Predictions (half way through)
DJ is finally married and he is now completely without excuses to post episodes! We're kicking off the return to our "every other week" programming, we're sharing our 2023 predictions! Now that we are half way through the year, we want to know,...
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Season 2
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Episode 16
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39:44
Episode 65: Should You Play Games?
Are games going away in youth ministry? In recent years, playing games has fallen under controversy. Should you still be playing games and having a fun loaded youth ministry? Kyle and DJ address the topic head on in this episode. What do you th...
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Season 2
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Episode 15
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25:40
Episode 64: Awkward Book Club
Yet another installment of the official award book club, where Kyle and DJ review outdated ministry books. Todays episode features a very special type of paper use on overhead projectors.. what ever those are...
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Season 2
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Episode 14
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17:10
Episode 63: How To Leave Your Church Well
In the last episode, Kyle interviewed DJ about his new job and about his process of leaving his last church. In this episode, DJ and Kyle give practice tips and tricks to help you handle the awkward season of a job transition well!
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Season 2
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Episode 13
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34:19
Episode 62: What's It Like Leaving?
Unless you stay at the same church your whole life you will be leaving your ministry most likely several times. So we wanted to take the time to help youth workers leave well. We don’t always plan on when we leave. Sometimes things ...
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Season 2
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Episode 12
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46:34
Episode 61: The Youth Worker Exodus
Why are youth workers leaving so fast? No career choice is immune to the great resignation. In this three part series, Kyle and DJ talk about why youth workers are leaving, how to leave well, and some big news from DJ! God will never leave you ...
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Season 2
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Episode 11
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53:35
Episode 60: 10 Pages You Need to Follow IMMEDIATELY!
Social media has given us a great way to check out influencers from all over the world. Kyle and DJ love following all types of ministry and organization leaders. This is our 10 must follow list for this season! Who do you follow that you love?...
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Season 2
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Episode 10
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31:01
Episode 59: The Intern Perspective
In this episode, DJ and Kyle interview their 2022 summer interns and play a few games to see if they REALLY have the youth ministry it factor. Listen to hear about their perspective of their internship opportunity, the good and bad!
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Season 2
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Episode 9
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52:03
Episode 58: CaMp HoRroR StOriEs!!!
Its a spooky scary episode, so we're telling some haunt-free stories from our storied past in youth ministry. What crazy stories do you have?
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Season 2
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Episode 8
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46:31
Episode 57: Defeat the Camp Fall-off!
We all miss church camp. AND, we all wish we could live on the mountaintop experience that camp is for so many. Even though we can't, we can learn how to follow up on the camp high and maximize the ways God moved in our students!
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Season 2
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Episode 7
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21:23
Episode 56: Awkward Book Club - X rated
In this awkward book club (our third!) DJ and Kyle review some *spicy* books that are past their time. What kind of advice did they find?
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Season 2
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Episode 6
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24:44
Episode 55: How to start a TikTok for Your Ministry
In this episode, DJ and Kyle share advice on how to start a TikTok account for your youth ministry! TikTok is quickly on it's way to becoming the largest social media app available, and like many apps, it can be a GREAT tool for your ministry. ...
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Season 2
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Episode 5
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36:21
Episode 54: How to Promote for Summer Camp
CAMP SEASON IS UPON US! Kyle and DJ just finished up camp season. As you know, one of the hardest things can be getting people to sign up! In this episode, DJ and Kyle talk about how to promote for camps well without being totally overbearing!&...
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Season 2
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Episode 4
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24:29
Episode 53: "Watch Your Profanity!"
Sorry for the long wait! Camp season was crazy! We just don't know what you would do without us though, so we're back to it! In this episode, Kyle and DJ talk about 20 words you should STOP using in your ministry. These aren't necessary profane...
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Season 2
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Episode 3
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20:54
Episode 52: How to Change Your Youth Groups Name
Welcome to part 2! Did you know we're running an insane contest on our instagram? Go check it out immediately! In the last episode, Kyle and DJ talked about how to evaluate whether or not you might need a new name or logo. Today, Kyle shares hi...
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Season 2
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Episode 2
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36:19
Episode 51: Should I Change My Youth Group’s Name?
In this episode, Kyle and DJ talk about how to assess if your ministry needs a new name, or maybe its time for a new logo! Acronyms, while a youth workers best friend, are outdated. So where do we go from here? What if you decide you need a new...
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Season 2
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Episode 1
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40:01
Episode 50: Top Ten Sermon Illustration Mistakes
In this episode, DJ and Kyle share their top ten list of mistakes we often make when giving an illustration. We all know illustrations can be powerful, and we want to help you maximize the moment by giving some practical tips and tricks to make...
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Season 1
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Episode 50
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34:02