Podcast Jonathan Youssef

As artificial intelligence (AI) grows exponentially in its capabilities, we find ourselves grappling with profound questions about consciousness, morality, and the very nature of existence. Dr. Kristen Davis joins Jonathan to discuss AI and how it should be viewed from a Christian perspective. Dr. Davis is a powerhouse in both apologetics and advan…

Our malls display it. Our shows advise it. Our commercials glorify it. Our news justifies it. Our universities disseminate it. Have you guessed it? Every aspect of our culture proclaims that what matters in life is our feelings—our guide in this world is our pleasure—and anything that would deny us our freedom to "follow our truth" should be disman…

Costi Hinn is a voice of clarity in a world filled with prosperity gospel confusion. Formerly surrounded by the opulence and excesses of the Word of Faith movement, he left it all for an authentic relationship with Jesus Christ based on the Truth of His Word. Today, Costi serves as the Teaching Pastor at Shepherd’s House Bible Church in Chandler, A…

As Christians, if we want to live transformed lives, we must first treasure our Redeemer. When we do, we'll have the wisdom to discern what to prioritize and understand the importance of letting go of our disappointments and failures so that we might gain something greater. With this in mind, Jonathan shares some practical tips in this Biblical ref…

We all wrestle with questions of purpose, calling, and how to align with God’s will for our lives. The age-old adage says, 'A calling is given to the called by a Caller.' But what does that mean? How do we identify our purpose? And most importantly, how do we teach these values to young adults who are on the brink of life-defining decisions? Jonath…

We are currently experiencing the largest and fastest religious shift in U.S. History. It’s called dechurching and it impacts more people than the First and Second Great Awakening and every revival in our country combined...but in the opposite direction. Very little study had been done on dechurching until Jim Davis and Michael Graham commissioned …

A topic that comes up almost weekly in our Candid planning meetings is Biblical discipleship – the importance of being discipled in Christ by mature believers and the importance of discipling others as you mature in the faith. Today’s conversation on growing in the Christian faith is with Thomas Tarrants – a guest we couldn’t wait to have back on t…

Are you part of the sandwich generation - caring for your children and aging parents? If so, we hope you caught part 1 of this two-part conversation with Dr. Bill Davis on how to care for your aging loved ones. If you haven’t, take time to listen to both of these episodes. In the first half of the conversation, we discussed honoring your parents in…

How do you honor your aging loved ones' desires when they need care and still keep them safe? How do you balance caring for your aging parents, caring for your spouse and children, and holding down a full-time job? What does honoring your parents look like as you grow older? Dr. Bill Davis joins Jonathan on Candid today to answer these pressing que…

As a young adult pastor, Jonathan Youssef often hears the question, "Can I, as a Christian, date a non-Christian?" In this episode of Candid, Jonathan shares Biblical wisdom and insight as he answers this heartfelt question. Dating can be difficult and can lead to so many questions. One question Jonathan Youssef often receives from his young adult …

Jonathan welcomes a special guest to Candid Conversations this week – Melissa Kruger. She is an author, speaker, the Vice President of Discipleship Programming for The Gospel Coalition, and a woman with a heart to help others uncover their true identity in Christ. She has a knack for connecting with women right where they are, with wisdom deeply ro…

As fall approaches and students return to school, many will embark on their college journey for the first time. College life presents more than just an academic transition. It introduces new relationships, social experiences, and newfound freedom that can pose challenges to one's spiritual life. Unfortunately, colleges are not typically known for f…

This month, as we celebrate reaching the milestone of 200 episodes of Candid, our podcast producers are taking a moment to reflect on their most beloved episodes. This week, the team shines a spotlight on Jonathan's captivating interview with Alisa Childers. Alisa, widely known as the author of the popular apologetics blog AlisaChilders.com and the…

This month, in celebration of reaching 200 episodes of Candid, our podcast producers are discussing their most cherished episodes! This week, the team delves into Jonathan's remarkable interview with Thomas Tarrants. Thomas, a former white supremacist and prominent member of the Ku Klux Klan, was once notoriously known as the "most dangerous man in…

As we continue to celebrate 200 episodes, our podcast producers are sharing their favorite episodes. This week you’ll hear the podcast team talk about Jonathan's interview with Julie Chapman, a three-time cancer and brain tumor survivor. Her optimism, determination to point others to the light and Truth of Jesus, and unwavering faith will inspire a…

This month, in celebration of 200 episodes of Candid, our podcast producers are talking about their favorite episodes! This week the team talks about Jonathan's interview with Laura Perry. From transgender to transformed, Laura's story is an inspiring and life-changing testimony of the power of Jesus Christ to heal and redeem. Listen now for a behi…

200 episodes! Candid Conversations just hit 200 episodes and we want to celebrate this milestone with you. In this episode, Jonathan and our listeners share their encouraging words on how Candid Conversations has changed them and encouraged them in their spiritual walk with Christ. Over the next month, the Candid production team will share our favo…

In this episode of Candid, Jonathan welcomes Tyler Van Halteren, a man with a deep-rooted commitment to enriching the lives of children and youth through the power of Christian faith and storytelling. Tyler, a Master's Divinity graduate from the Master's Seminary, has dedicated most of his life to sharing the teachings of Christ and the wisdom of t…

Hearing about the pressing need for compassionate arms and welcoming homes to accommodate vulnerable children in foster care is heart-wrenching. There are over 11,500 children in foster care in Georgia alone, with a staggering 391,000 nationwide. As believers, how do we help care for the vulnerable? May marks National Foster Care Month, and to hono…

Do you find it difficult to change? Do certain habits, behavioral patterns, and sins tempt you daily, leaving you longing to resist but feeling powerless? What does it mean to truly be sanctified? Can people really change? In this new reflection, Jonathan Youssef reveals the hope that is found in sanctification and rejoices in the Resurrection of J…

We all face difficulties. Why? What is the purpose of trials? How should we view them as followers of Christ? How do we keep going when things seem unbearable? In this episode, Jonathan Youssef unpacks wisdom from James 1 about how we are to handle trials and the blessing we receive when we persevere. To ask Jonathan a question or connect with the …

As believers in Christ, we are called to run the race of faith with endurance, keeping our eyes fixed on Jesus who is the author and finisher of our faith. But what does it mean to have spiritual endurance, and how can we cultivate this quality in our lives? In this episode, Jonathan Youssef explores the biblical concept of endurance, drawing on ex…

It's easy to lose focus on what’s important when you are constantly surrounded by messages that distract you from the best God has for you. The lens you look through can shift your focus and, ultimately, lead to a distorted perspective in life. In this episode of Candid Conversations, Jonathan Youssef encourages you to reflect on what has captured …

What would you do if you were told you had two years to live? Join Jonathan for this powerful episode as he welcomes guest Sarah Pattison, a current cancer survivor, a passionately inspiring blogger, and her husband, part owner and operator of the paper company "The Happy Envelope.” Sarah shares with listeners her story of the challenge of starting…

Join Jonathan for this insightful podcast episode as he talks with Kara Duncan, author of "Love Always Wins: One Couple's Story of Infertility, Adoption, and a Faithful God," about navigating the journey of infertility while keeping faith in God. Despite the challenges and pain of waiting, Kara shares how she and her husband found God's gracious pl…

In this episode of Candid Conversations, Jonathan welcomes author and teacher Nancy Guthrie who highlights the advantages of examining the Scriptures through the lens of holistic Biblical theology. By shifting our focus from ourselves to God when studying the Bible, we can experience the text in a more profound and accurate way. Nancy draws from he…

Tragedy occurs, followed by sadness and despair. We seek to understand the reasons, assign blame, and uncover every detail of the incident. But is this the appropriate reaction? How did Jesus approach tragic events, and what lessons can we draw from Him? Tune in with Jonathan Youssef as he offers insights from Luke 13 on the Christian response to t…

Join Jonathan as he reflects on the parable of the Prodigal Son found in Luke 15. In this third part of a three-part reflection, Jonathan looks at the older brother who remained in his Father's house. Listen and reflect on the lavish grace and forgiveness of God the Father and the gentle reminder of God's continuing grace, forgiveness, and provisio…

Join Jonathan as he reflects on the parable of the Prodigal Son found in Luke 15. In this second part of a three-part reflection, Jonathan looks at the prodigal son who left home. Listen and learnhow this parable provides unique insight into our relationship with God and those around us. Don't miss this opportunity to understand our depravity and t…

In this episode of Candid, Jonathan reflects on the parable of the Prodigal Son found in Luke 15. In this first part of a three -part reflection, he describes the father's joy when his son repents and turns back to him. Join him as he unpacks God's heart towards His children and receive a reminder of God's unrelenting love for you. To ask Jonathan …

Restoration. Have you taken the time to meditate on how the Lord is restoring you? It's easy to focus on the negative around us. However, it's far more edifying to seek out the ways the Lord is working good out of even the worst circumstances. Join Jonathan Youssef as he welcomes Ashley Poptodorova to Candid Conversations. Ashley has an incredible …

Imagine raising 46 children from traumatic circumstances in South Asia, relying fully on the Lord for every provision. It's a modern-day George Mueller story. For Tammyma, it’s an incredible undertaking that flowed out of an unwavering trust in the faithfulness of God. Today, Jonathan welcomes Tammyma to Candid Conversations. Tammyma was born and r…

You may be familiar with the acoustic duo Shane & Shane and their songs I Will Wait for You: Psalm 130, or worship renditions of Hymns, Come Thou Fount, Holy Holy Holy, or How Great Thou Art. Their prolific work has been a staple in the musical worship of many churches. Today, Jonathan welcomes Shane & Shane. They met in college and twenty years la…

You might remember TLC’s most popular hit TV show, ‘19 Kids and Counting’. Averaging 2.3 million viewers each week, the show highlights the Duggars, a family of devout Christians. Each episode shows the daily routine of raising 19 children and the joy and challenges they face as their family continues to grow up— featuring everything from toddlers …

God is in the details. Discoveries in neuroscience, physics, astronomy, and mathematics point to one Creator. Still, most modern scientists would disagree. Why? Is it possible for our worldview to be consistent with both God AND modern science? Today’s guest is Dr. Michael Guillen. He is an esteemed teacher, best-selling author, Emmy award-winning …

We cannot have a healthy, vibrant relationship with the Lord if we are neglecting the church. It is through the local church that we experience Christ, meet with our heavenly family, and grow in love and faith as we are stretched by one another. That is why, throughout the New Testament, early Christians were exhorted to gather together and that ex…

Ash grew up in a loving Islamic family. He was chosen to be the future leader of his tribe of over 800 family members. He was mentored by his grandfather for years. But everything changed when Ash began to question his faith and his future. Join Jonathan Youssef on a dramatic journey from Islam to Christianity as he welcomes Ash, a former Muslim an…

Ash grew up in a loving Islamic family. He was chosen to be the future leader of his tribe of over 800 family members. He was mentored by his grandfather for years. But everything changed when Ash began to question his faith and his future. Join Jonathan Youssef on a dramatic journey from Islam to Christianity as he welcomes Ash, a former Muslim an…

Are you struggling to find direction? Do you have a vision for your life? Do you know how to align your vision with God's plan? Join Jonathan Youssef and his father, Dr. Michael Youssef, as they discuss the importance of having a God-focused vision for life and provide insight to help you align your vision with God's plan. To ask Jonathan a questio…

Are you looking for a way to study God’s Word consistently? Do you need a new Bible reading plan? Join Jonathan as he shares his favorite plan, as well as the potential pitfalls and rewards of a Bible reading plan by Robert Murray M'Cheyne: Daily Bread. We pray that this episode encourages you in the general reading of God's Word and that choosing …

What comes to mind when someone mentions church? For some, it's a positive thought full of love, warmth, and community. For others, it immediately sparks feelings of judgment and rejection. Through the local church, we should experience Christ, meet our heavenly family, and grow in faith and love as we are stretched by one another, but is this happ…

Let's celebrate the real reason for Christmas and hear how Christ's saving work continues around the world today. Join Jonathan for this episode of Candid Conversations as he shares incredible testimonies of lives that have been transformed by the Gospel. A great episode to lift your spirits and remind you of the real joy of the season. Listen and …

Christ's birth is worthy of our time and attention, but it can be difficult to stay centered on Christ with all of the activities designed to celebrate the season. Join Jonathan this week as he shares seven simple ways to center our hearts and minds on Jesus this season. Choose one or a few that resonate with you and focus on Christ in this season …

How do we truly count our suffering as joy and draw near to God in our trials? Today's guest, Julie Chapman offers insight into the incredible power of worshiping God in the midst of difficult times. Julie is a three-time cancer and brain tumor survivor. She's also the friend you would call if you got bad news or needed your spirits lifted. Her opt…

When it comes to ensuring the spiritual well-being of our children, how do we go beyond just “raising them in church”? As the next generation navigates unprecedented issues surrounding gender identity, doubt, and resistance to the Christian faith—it won’t be enough for them to simply have the faith of their parents. How do we equip them to become d…

November rolls around and we all think about giving thanks. Jonathan welcomes Mary Mohler to Candid Conversations to discuss what Biblical gratitude really is – a gratitude that is more than thanking God for all the good things in our lives. Mary Mohler serves in ministry alongside her husband, Dr. Al Mohler, at The Southern Baptist Theological Sem…

The holiday season is here – a time of year filled with joy, tradition, faith, and nostalgia–but also a season of sorrow for so many. Where is God in seasons of sorrow? Whether you are grieving the death of a loved one, a lost relationship, an unsaved family member, or an unfulfilled dream, today’s Candid Conversation guest will minister powerfully…

You cast your vote. Your civic duty is done. Now what do you do? Join Jonathan as he discusses the role of fear and faith in our lives post-election. In this episode of Candid Conversations, he reflects on the reminder we have in Scripture to cast off anxiety while prayerfully trusting in the Lord for our future. Take a few minutes to listen and th…

As you scroll through social media, it's no longer uncommon to come across a video shared or created by a friend that challenges elements of the Christian faith. You don't agree with their logic, but you aren't quite sure how to highlight the error you see. You honestly want to offer insight, but you don't want to come across angry or defensive. Ho…

Progressive Christianity. Deconstruction. We are hearing these terms more regularly as some Christian leaders walk away from Biblical orthodoxy. What is the impact of redefining the Christian faith? In today’s episode of Candid Conversations, Jonathan Youssef welcomes Alisa Childers whose book, Another Gospel, is a helpful guide to unpacking and un…