Church Review Podcast
At the church review podcast we explore the diverse world of faith and community through engaging reviews of churches and demonitations. Each episode features insightful discussions, personal experiences, and helping listeners find a spiritual home that resonates with their beliefs and values.
Episodes
26 episodes
Holy Smoke Segment - #Blessed
Join Jesse and Joel as they try an unravel what hashtag blessed is and the culture that underlies it. Hashtag tune in for this episode and see if Christians can find solace in the world of high tech, christian vernacular and a little hint of sh...
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25:19
Holy Smoke Segment - Sermon Illustrations (Marvel Comparisons?)
Join Jesse and Joel as they dive into the marvel universe of sermon illustrations! From awkward anecdotes to epic fails, they're unpacking the stories preachers use to spice up their sermons—because sometimes, the real sermon is the one that ha...
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Season 1
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Episode 24
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33:54
Holy Smokes Segment - Coffee Before Church
Join Jesse and Joel as they dive into the sacred ritual of church coffee—because let's face it, the real sermon starts once that first cup is brewed! Tune in for laughs, caffeine-fueled insights, and a whole lot of 'Is this decaf?' moments befo...
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Season 1
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Episode 23
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32:57
Ep14: Messianic Judaism
Join hosts Jesse and Sam as they dive into the fascinating world of Messianic Judaism – where ancient traditions meet modern faith. Get ready for a spirited discussion and some controversial, outrageous claims made by Jesse.
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Season 1
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Episode 22
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37:51
Holy Smokes Segment - John 3:16
Join Jesse and Joel as they dive into the most famous Bible verse of all time—John 3:16! It’s like the ‘original’ tweet, but with way more eternal significance. Tune in for laughs, deep thoughts, and some good banter!
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Season 1
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Episode 21
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28:00
Ep13: The Shakers
Join hosts Jesse and Sam as they dive into the wild world of the Shakers—a religious group who believed in shaking, clapping, and dancing their way to spiritual enlightenment. No, seriously. It’s like a 1800s rave, but with more prayer and less...
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Season 1
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Episode 20
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55:26
Holy Smokes Segment - Christian Symbols and Shenanigans
In this episode of "Symbols & Shenanigans," Jesse and Joel dive into the world of Christian symbols—where crosses, doves, and fish meet some seriously funny banter. Prepare for a holy mix of laughs and lightbulb moments as they decode ancie...
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Season 1
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Episode 19
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37:26
Holy Smokes Segment - Amazing Grace Hymn
In this episode on Amazing Grace, join hosts Jesse and Joel as they discuss this hymn and the various cultural significance it has – from its divine power, countless covers by artists, to its unexpected applications in everyday li...
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Season 1
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Episode 18
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34:07
Ep12: Edina Community Lutheran Church (The Sparkle Debacle)
Join Jesse and Sam as they examine Edina Community Lutheran Church and their social justice movement, liberal stance and inclusive awareness which includes a video of the Sparkle Creed. Can you withstand the sparkle debacle as much as they can?...
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Season 1
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Episode 17
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55:36
Ep11: Cannabis Churches
In this high-spirited episode, hosts Jesse and Sam take you on a journey through the church of cannabis! From holy smoke to sacred tokes, they explore the rise of cannabis churches, where weed meets worship. Expect laughter, enlightenm...
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Season 1
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Episode 16
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46:58
Ep10: Salvation Army Churches
Join Jesse and Sam as they roll up their sleeves and dive into a heartwarming, laughter-filled episode at the Salvation Army Church! From unexpected thrift store treasures to the most uplifting moments, these two hosts prove that salvation can ...
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Season 1
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Episode 15
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53:16
Ep9: Amish
Ever wondered what life would be like without Instagram, fast food, or even electricity? Well, in this episode Jesse and Sam are about to find out as they dive into the Amish way of life. No gadgets, no glam—just hard work, simple living, and h...
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Season 1
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Episode 14
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48:49
Ep5: Holy Smokes - Jesus Take The Wheel (please Jesus)
In this episode on Jesus Take the Wheel, hosts Jesse and Dan dive deep into the spiritual potholes of life’s journey. From discussing what this popular phrase means to pondering if surrendering control is the ultimate act of trust...
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Season 1
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Episode 13
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22:41
Ep8: Youth With A Mission (YWAM)
Join Jesse and Sam as they dive into the heart of Youth With A Mission (YWAM), where passionate missions, bold dreams, and evangelistic outreaches cover the globe. "To know God and make him known" is the mantra and to know more about this para-...
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Season 1
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Episode 12
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50:50
Ep4: Holy Smokes - Christians & Megachurches
Today, Jesse and Dan are diving into the world of megachurches—those massive spiritual theme parks where parking lots are bigger than some small towns, the coffee is fancier than your local café, and the worship band could headline at Coachella...
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Season 1
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Episode 11
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36:01
Ep3: Holy Smokes - Should we lift our hands in church?
Ever wonder if you’re supposed to raise your hands like a spiritual superhero or just stick to clapping awkwardly? Join Jesse and Dan as they break down the art of hands lifted in praise—what’s the meaning, the struggle, and why does everyone s...
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Season 1
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Episode 10
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33:59
Ep2: Holy Smokes - Red Letter Christians
Join Jesse and Dan as they dive into the world of Red Letter Christians— the phrase, origins, and movements where Jesus teachings became more than the red letters in a standard Bible. From tricky names no one can pronounce, to a phrase we all t...
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Season 1
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Episode 9
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36:53
Ep1: Holy Smokes - WWJD? (What Would Jesus Do?)
Join Jesse and Dan as they tackle the timeless question, What Would Jesus Do?—but with a 2025 twist. From the cool kids in youth group in the early 2000s with the WWJD bracelets to bumper stickers and merchandise that popularized the p...
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Season 1
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Episode 8
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39:35
Ep7: Moravian Church (Jan Hus)
In this episode, hosts Jesse and Sam explore the story of Jan Hus and the rise of the Moravian Church. Hus, a key figure in the early church reform movement, challenged the status quo of the Catholic Church in the 15th century, paving the way f...
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Season 1
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Episode 7
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50:06
Ep6: SSPX (The Society of St Pius X)
In this episode, Jesse and Sam tackle the Society of St. Pius X (SSPX) — the Catholic group that's basically the "bad boy" of the Church. From their unapologetic love for the Latin Mass to their strained relationship with Vatican II, these...
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Season 1
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Episode 6
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47:00
Ep5: Twelve Tribes Communities
On today’s episode, Jesse and Sam dive deep into the Twelve Tribes cult—no, not a new boy band, but a commune that’s been raising eyebrows. From their colorful take on communal living to their Yellow Deli Cafe with a Latt...
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Season 1
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Episode 5
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46:16
Ep4: Bethel Church Redding
Join hosts Jesse and Sam as they take a spirited journey into the world of Bethel Church in Redding, California—where the worship is electric, the teachings are... well, supernatural, and the coffee is probably anointed. From ...
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Season 1
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Episode 5
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50:06
Rod of Iron Ministries: Guns, Faith, and Politics
What happens when faith, firearms, and politics intersect in the pews? Join us as we explore the astonishing practices of the Rod of Iron Ministries, a church led by Pastor Sean Moon that uniquely incorporates firearms into their worship servic...
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Season 1
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Episode 4
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50:09
Exclusive Brethren Church
In this episode Jesse and Sam, the hosts take a deep dive into the world of the Exclusive Brethren—think of them as the secretive cult who really don’t want you using the internet. Jesse and Sam break down the quirks of t...
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Season 1
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Episode 3
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45:53
The Church of the Lord Jesus with Signs Following (Snake Biting Church)
Join Jesse and Sam as they dive into the bizarre world of snake-handling churches—where proving your faith means literally dodging a venomous bite. They’ll explore why some people risk life and limb for God, the wild history behind it,...
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Season 1
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Episode 2
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43:19