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Talking Youth Ministry - A Youthscape Podcast

Witchtok: Hallowe'en horror... or youth ministry opportunity?

Season 1, Ep. 1

Martin Saunders, Lucy Rae and Rachel Gardner welcome you to the first episode of Talking Youth Ministry: A Youthscape Podcast. Each week they'll be exploring the world of adolescence, youth culture and what it all means for Christians who work with young people.


First up for discussion, will driverless cars be the end for another rite of passage for teens? What role does youth work play in moments of transition as young people grow older?


Does the explosion of 'witchy content' on TikTok (WitchTok) spell danger for Christian youth ministry?


And Rachel explains the inevitable issue her beloved Leo is having, while Martin introduces a game of 'youth ministry: what happens next?'



Email: podcast@youthscape.co.uk


References

  • Martin's Premier Christianity article: https://www.premierchristianity.com/culture/witchcraft-is-trending-on-tiktok-here-are-5-ways-christians-can-respond/18349.article


Keep up to date with all the latest Talking Youth Ministry and Youthscape news on our website: https://www.youthscape.co.uk/podcast


More episodes

View all episodes

  • 8. A stat is born: a Christmas special

    35:19||Season 1, Ep. 8
    Warning - there are some hard truths about Santa in this episode…Martin and Rachel are joined by Dr Gemma Madle, from the Youthscape Centre for Research, as the three of them dig into all things Christmas, research and young people! So get ready for this festive episode as we answer why is classical music having a comeback? What tangible evidence is there for Christmas spirit? Is there a gender pay gap between Mr & Mrs Claus?To hear more episodes like this, search for Talking Youth Ministry: A Youthscape Podcast wherever you get your podcasts.For more content from Youthscape, find us on Instagram and Facebook. 
  • 7. Wrapped… around the captain’s arm

    37:23||Season 1, Ep. 7
    What do you make of Marc Guéhi’s armband issues?Which one of the team is an avid Swiftie? What do Gen Z’s listening habits reveal to us?It’s that time of the year again and the team dig into what Spotify’s annual round up of music highlights to us as youth workers. They also delve into the world of football as one Christian footballer has been making headlines with what he’s put on his armband…Links:Martin's article on Taylor Swift - https://www.premierchristianity.com/culture/the-gospel-according-to-taylor-swift/17102.articleRachel Earwicker's early music career - https://open.spotify.com/artist/4nraS1AjH5xAsF3EWBAtEg?si=mMYMlZZhQiOq9mUhXXKwLgStudy that Lucy referred to - https://djmag.com/news/93-young-people-rely-music-lyrics-therapeutic-tool-study-findsTo hear more episodes like this, search for Talking Youth Ministry: A Youthscape Podcast wherever you get your podcasts.For more content from Youthscape, find us on Instagram and Facebook. 
  • 6. Faith in the jungle?

    37:46||Season 1, Ep. 6
    What happens when you drop an ordained priest into the “I’m a celebrity…” jungle? What was going on behind the scenes at NYMW? Who is Matt Dobson?Jump in with Lucy, Rachel and Martin as they discuss what we as youth workers can learn from the recent events on ITV’s flagship reality TV show, as well as catching up on Youthscape’s recent National Youth Ministry Weekend conference.To hear more episodes like this, search for Talking Youth Ministry: A Youthscape Podcast wherever you get your podcasts.For more content from Youthscape, find us on Instagram and Facebook. 
  • 5. Lauren Windle on sobriety, celebrity and saying the wrong thing

    40:52||Season 1, Ep. 5
    We have a special guest - the one and only author, presenter, speaker and all-round legend Lauren Windle. Martin sits down with Lauren as they discuss some of her story, and how to support young people who are going through challenging situations.Meanwhile, the hosting trio dig into Domingo, film fancies and a little game of 'would you rather' - youth-ministry-style!To hear more episodes like this, search for Talking Youth Ministry: A Youthscape Podcast wherever you get your podcasts.For more content from Youthscape, find us on Instagram and Facebook. 
  • 4. The Archbishop's resignation - what does it mean for youth ministry?

    32:43||Season 1, Ep. 4
    This week, the Archbishop of Canterbury, Justin Welby, announced his resignation. What are the implications for youth ministry - both nationally and on the ground?We also lift the lid on the buildup to the National Youth Ministry Weekend which is happening this weekend. Rachel gives Martin and Lucy a challenge to complete on stage - if you're there, listen out!Links:Church of England statement: https://www.churchofengland.org/media/press-releases/independent-review-churchs-handling-smyth-case-publishedFull Makin report: https://www.churchofengland.org/sites/default/files/2024-11/independent-learning-lessons-review-john-smyth-qc-november-2024.pdfTo hear more episodes like this, search for Talking Youth Ministry: A Youthscape Podcast wherever you get your podcasts.For more content from Youthscape, find us on Instagram and Facebook. 
  • 3. Have young people lost faith in politics?

    37:10||Season 1, Ep. 3
    This week the Talking Youth Ministry hosts are joined by Dr Gemma Madle, from the Youthscape Centre for Research, as they dive into some youth ministry research from the US. How do young people feel about politics? What role do we as the church have in a polarised world? What does the current political climate leave for young people to hope in?References & recommendations:Springtide Institute research:www.springtideresearch.org/cultivating-care#:~:text=Cultivating%20Care%20explores%20how%20emerging,peers%20and%20adults%2C%20and%20more.Springtide podcast series:https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/the-voices-of-young-people-podcast/id1511036543https://open.spotify.com/show/3ltXdYqKM58wVIzddyTfJi?si=44064e242a554241To hear more episodes like this, search for Talking Youth Ministry: A Youthscape Podcast wherever you get your podcasts.For more content from Youthscape, find us on Instagram and Facebook. 
  • 2. The Anxious Generation: a Discipleship Crisis?

    37:04||Season 1, Ep. 2
    Martin Saunders, Lucy Rae and Rachel Gardner are back again as we dive into all things youth ministry. Do smartphones spell disaster for the future of young people? How are they shaping us and what do we do about it? How do we figure out if we're doing a good job as youth workers? How do we celebrate it when we are?Please get in touch and tell us your youth work awards!Email: podcast@youthscape.co.ukor find us on socials @youthscapeKeep up to date with all the latest Talking Youth Ministry and Youthscape news on our website: https://www.youthscape.co.uk/podcastReferences & recommendations:The Anxious Generation by Jonathan HaidtOne article to introduce you to his work: https://www.theguardian.com/books/2024/mar/24/the-anxious-generation-jonathan-haidt-book-extract-instagram-tiktok-smartphones-social-media-screens?fbclid=IwAR3UZIHCe3omfP0obUdiYafudwaKDZsbXr6ZpQ3NizBKicfi_TKSGWHQg88_aem_AcQSUojI-RNoSOUF20WYdDUoZuC4yKkhJg5QKum4-jNF4P9G1Pue1NFoSdirYa-9itk
  • 270. A vision for intergenerational, lifelong faith - John Roberto | Episode 270

    50:09||Ep. 270
    In the final episode of the season, Rachel interviews the legendary John Roberto, author, researcher and all-round expert on lifelong faith. He lifts the lid on faith development and lays down the challenge for those of us in ministry of 'how do we disciple people through all 10 decades of their life?'Meanwhile, Martin opens up about a recent toothache gone wrong story that isn't for the faint-hearted...