DYM Podcast
DYM Podcast is a weekly show hosted by youth ministry veterans Doug Fields, Josh Griffin, and Matt McGill. Each episode they reflect on their experiences in youth ministry, sharing learnings, ideas, and practical tips for youth workers. The show aims to refresh and challenge listeners while bringing humor from over 60 years of combined ministry experience. They also highlight resources and community at downloadyouthministry.com.
Episodes
445: NEW SHOW ALERT - Youth Ministry Debrief
New show alert! Hey DYM listeners, check out Josh Griffin's new podcast Youth Ministry Debrief! Join Josh Griffin for the ride home after youth group in his soccer-mom 2018 Ford Flex! The drive home is 15-25 minutes - depending on how ugly the traffic is here in Southern California. Raw and uncut, thoughts, reaction, strategies, tips, tricks and more on the commute.Subscribe here!
444: Behind the Scenes of the National Day of Volunteer Youth Ministry Training!
One of the best things that DYM produces each year is The National Day of Volunteer Youth Ministry Training! Fun, bits, laughter and great practical training for your volunteers, all rolled into an incredible 3-hour video event. Josh Griffin and Travis Prouty discuss the fun elements and hard work that goes into putting it all together so your volunteers can have a great time getting great trainin
443: Sidekick Pro - The Best Kept Secret is Out
After years of development and months of behind-the-scenes testing, Sidekick Pro is finally here!!! Josh Boldman sits down with Nick Clason (one of the few youth pastors who got the opportunity to use a pre-release version of Sidekick Pro in front of real, live teenagers) to unpack everything the new app can do.From returning legacy favorites like Survey Says, Boxes, and Photo Fury, to a fully rei
442: Starting Strong at a New Church
Josh Griffin and Brandon "Blarg" Smart talk about principles on starting right at your next church after you say yes. Be sandpaper, not the saw. Build relationships and be a learner first, changes at a later date. Enjoy the show and learn to start strong!
441: How and Why to Leave Your Church for Another One
Josh Griffin and Brandon "Blarg" Smart talk about his decision to leave a church, and how to interview your next church before you say yes. Some laughter and practical insights into what to ask your next church youth worker position.
440: What 90's Youth Ministry Got Right
In this episode of the Download Youth Ministry Podcast, Josh Griffin, Doug Fields, and Jessica Sanchez reflect on youth ministry in the nineties and what today's leaders can learn from it, especially when it comes to volunteer training. They also share details about DYM's National Day of Volunteer Youth Ministry Training and Youth Ministry University, two practical resources to help you equip your
439: Victory Beyond the Cup w/Heather Reddy
Do you love soccer? Josh doesn’t, but knows the importance of the upcoming World Cup as a possible opportunity to share the Gospel. Heather Reddy, chaplain of the US Women’s team, shares about her ministry Victory Beyond the Cup with Cru and Athletes in Action to reach people around the world’s most popular football event reaching over 5b people!https://victorybeyondthecup.com/
438: A Blueprint For Youth Ministry
In this episode, we talk with Jonathan Donald-Kornelsen, author of Youth Ministry Blueprint, about guiding a youth ministry with clarity and purpose. We explore practical strategies, leadership insights, and how to build a Christ-centered ministry that lasts. Tune in for wisdom that helps you lead with confidence and heart and a fresh blueprint for ministry!AMAZON: https://amzn.to/4rVqino https://
437: Introducing PAKA: Small Group Toolkit!
Introducing PAKA: Small Group Toolkit! It's a PACK'a tools that are perfect for taking your small group to the next level! It's one app with a bunch of tools that PACK a punch!It's totally FREE in the iOS Apple App Store!Get it here🧊 Ice-Breaker QuestionsGet students talking! From fun and silly to deeper questions about faith.🤔 Would You Rather?Hundreds of dilemmas guaranteed to spark laughs, deba
436: Remembering Your Calling
In this episode, Josh Griffin interviews Grant Byrd & Rusty Wheelington, veteran youth workers and coauthors of the new book: Following Your Call to Ministry: Recognizing and Responding to God’s Call. How teens can hear, discern, and respond to God’s call through prayer, Scripture, and authentic relationships. It’s a great conversation about our own calls to ministry, too and will be an encour
435: Use AI Responsibly
Josh Griffin talks with Anthony Hunt - author of “The AI-Powered Church” to discuss how today’s church can embrace artificial intelligence without losing its soul. We explore practical tools, ethical considerations, and ways to use AI to serve ministry, deepen discipleship, and stay grounded in Christ. It’s not a threat, more of a tool, better yet … a teammate!AMAZON: https://amzn.to/40rD8hn
434: Interview with Tim Timmons (I Can Only Imagine 2)
Josh sits down with Tim Timmons, whose powerful story is part of the upcoming film "I Can Only Imagine 2", in theaters February 20th!In this conversation, Tim opens up about his journey of faith, suffering, hope, and trusting God through seasons he never expected. They talk honestly about pain, perseverance, calling, and what it looks like to keep believing when life doesn’t go according to plan.
433: "Something About Jess' Lip"
Hey DYM Insiders! In this special sneak peek of the DYM Members Only Podcast (which is what you call it when you just record one podcast and post it twice...to uh, save the planet etc.) we don't even MENTION the great stuff members get. But we DO dive into a bunch of other stuff... Like Josh's "less sugar" New Year resolution (yeah right), Jessica's horrifying ailment, and Doug's utter embarrassme
432: Christmas Special Membership CROSSOVER
This episode brought to you by Little Debbie Christmas Tree Cakes® Fond holiday memories, DYM Membership (sort of), and a sprinkling of youth ministry. It's the Membership podcast no one asked for and yet you just can't say no to. 😆Did you know there's a special Members Only DYM Podcast? That's right. Each month we unpack the member freebies and have a generally good time.Not a member yet? DO NOT
431: Let’s Talk About Compensation!
Obviously, everyone here is getting paid more than they need to survive, right?… right?Yeah, I didn’t think so. Join Josh Boldman and Dan Navarra as they talk through what we learned from last year’s Youth Pastor Compensation Report and what we’re hoping to learn from this year’s!Audio from Facebook LiveTake the survey!
430: Away Game: A Christian Parent's Guide to Navigating Youth Sports - Interview
DYM's Josh Griffin interviews the authors of Away Game: A Christian Parent's Guide to Navigating Youth Sports to help youth workers understand the pressures parents face—and discover practical ways to connect with students who are too busy for traditional church programs. https://www.thechristianathlete.com
429: Staying Power - Interview with Jody Livingston
Josh Griffin from DYM talks with youth worker and author Jody Livingston about his new book Staying Power—a must-read on longevity in youth ministry. They dig into practical habits, hard-earned lessons, and how to stay passionate for the long haul in the calling God has placed on us
428: Leaders Serve Others
Feeling the end-of-summer burnout? Wondering how to lead with impact when you're just trying to keep up? This episode is for you. Join the guys as they unpack what it really means to be a servant leader in the trenches of ministry. Forget the corporate buzzwords; this is a real, practical conversation about the gritty, unseen acts of service that define great leadership. From unclogging toilets on
Ep. 426 — Leaders know how to Inspire and Empower
Matt McGill, Doug Fields, and Josh Griffin dive into the essential balance every youth worker needs to master - knowing when to inspire your team and when to give them tactical direction. They share hilarious stories (including Doug's infamous "funnel rebellion" and Matt's marathon 1 hour 45 minute teaching on Job), practical insights, and real-world examples of how to read the room and adjust you
Ep. 425: Leaders Have Great Meetings
Tired of volunteer meetings that feel like a total drag? Join Josh Griffin and Matthew McGill on the Download Youth Ministry Podcast as they tackle the dreaded "death by meeting" syndrome! They dive deep into why these get-togethers are crucial, how often you really need them, and the secret sauce to making every meeting valuable, encouraging, and even fun. Get ready for practical tips, a lively d
Ep. 424 — Leaders Have Strong Convictions
Welcome to the Download Youth Ministry podcast – a casual yet insightful hangout where ministry veterans Matt McGill, Doug Fields, and Josh Griffin dive deep into leadership, convictions, and confidence. In this episode, the friends riff on personal leadership styles, share humorous banter, and discuss the seven essential convictions that every leader needs. With genuine passion and practical tips
Ep. 423 — Leaders manage their time and energy
The DYM Podcast is a weekly conversational dive into leadership topics for ministry. Hosted by Josh Griffin and Matt McGill, this episode touches on practical time management, setting priorities, and saying “no” when needed. Listeners gain insights into balancing busyness, nurturing relationships, and staying true to one’s values. It’s engaging, insightful, and designed to equip leaders with pract
422: Interview with Heather Flies, Youth Ministry Speaker for the National Day of Volunteer Training
The National Day of Volunteer Ministry is celebrating it's 7th year of training thousands of volunteers. Josh Griffin sits down and interviews one of our speakers, long-time favorite and Junior High Ministry expert, Heather Flies.Sign up at trainmyvolunteers.com and get your volunteers ready for a year of impactful ministry!
421: Leaders Put God First
Join Josh Griffin and Matt McGill on the Download Youth Ministry podcast as they dive into the heart of leadership and devotion. This episode explores the importance of maintaining a leader's heart for God, balancing productivity with spiritual growth, and the challenges of transparency in ministry. With humor and candid insights, they discuss personal experiences, biblical inspirations, and pract
420: Interview with Kellen Moore, Kids Ministry Speaker for the National Day of Training!
For the first time in 7 years, the National Day of Volunteer Ministry is branching out to Kids Ministry! Josh Griffin sits down and interviews one of our speakers, Kellen Moore. Learn more at trainmyvolunteers.com
419: Leaders Are Learners
Join Josh Griffin and Matt McGill as they dive into the essential topic of "Leaders are Learners" in this engaging episode of the Download Youth Ministry Podcast. With a mix of humor, personal anecdotes, and practical advice, they explore why continuous learning is crucial for effective leadership, especially in youth ministry. Whether you're a seasoned youth pastor or just starting out, this epis
418: Leaders Empower Others
In this engaging episode, youth ministry veterans Doug Fields and Matt McGill dive into the art of empowering volunteers. With a mix of wisdom, humor, and practical advice, they explore how to build a vibrant volunteer team that goes beyond just showing up to truly thriving in ministry.Perfect for any youth leader looking to level up their volunteer game!
417: Difficult Conversations
Josh & Matt tackle the art of having difficult conversations as a leader. From dealing with emotions to setting clear goals, they share wisdom, personal experiences, and practical strategies to navigate tough moments with grace and truth. Along the way, they read listener emails, share some laughs, and reflect on the power of encouragement and criticism in ministry.Whether you're a seasoned ve
416: Criticism
Every leader faces criticism.Good learners learn from it.Great leaders take the next step.Doug Fields, Josh Griffin, and Matt McGill unpack how criticism can do more than just teach you lessons; it can shape your humility, refine your leadership, and strengthen your reliance on God. With personal stories, practical advice, and a dose of humor, this episode will challenge you to go beyond simply le
415: Encouragement
AND WE’RE BACK!A brand-new era of the DYM podcast begins as Josh and Doug reunite with Matt McGill to bring the gang back together! In this exciting episode, we dive into the transformative power of encouragement and unpack why it’s an essential skill for every leader to develop.Learn more:www.downloadyouthministry.comwww.wisdomministryconsulting.com
Special Episode - Inside The Movie: The Best Christmas Pageant Ever!
Producer Kevin Downs joins DYM's Josh Griffin for a special interview podcast about the new youth group-friendly movie in theaters NOW: The Best Christmas Pageant Ever! Grab your family, students and more to enjoy a night out to spread some Christmas cheer and enjoy hearing a story about a whole town got involved in youth ministry by caring for some of the forgotten in their community. SO fun! Enj
Preview: The All-New Platinum Perk Q & A Podcast!
The Platinum Perk Podcast is an all-new podcast exclusively for DYM Platinum members! Join Doug and Josh each week as we answer YOUR questions!Learn more about the Platinum membership at dymmembership.com
This Week with Doug and Josh: Episode 21 - Fall Kickoff Special
Fall Kickoff SZN is here! Join Josh, Mari, Jessica and Travis as they share hot programming ideas, best practices for volunteers, and everything you need to make your Fall a success!
This Week with Doug and Josh: Episode 20
Doug's gone and Travis is FILLING IN BABY. Josh sits down with Travis Prouty, a long time veteran youth worker and creative program guy, (who's normally stuck behind the computer) to talk about programming Fall Kickoff, creating fun and memorable moments, how to use a bumper video, and the importance of seamless transitions.
This Week With Doug and Josh: Episode 19
Back from summer camp! Josh almost had an uneventful summer... and Doug pushes back on Josh's concerns about volunteers. The National Day of Volunteer Youth Ministry is live! It's this week with Doug and Josh!
This Week With Doug and Josh: Episode 18
Doug and Josh talk about canceling events - when, how, and why! Plus they cover the upcoming transitions in youth ministry, and how to handle them well!
This Week With Doug and Josh: Episode 17
Doug and Josh are back after a short hiatus in which Doug had surgery and grossed out his grandaughter. Sidekick has a free eclipse game you need to play, and Josh not only had a great Easter but also stole the last Liquid Death and Doug isn't amused. Tune in!
This Week with Doug and Josh: Episode 16
This podcast brought to you by Planet Fitness' red light therapy machine. Doug and Josh are talking about sacred cows in their ministry, pre-covid/post-covid youth ministry, what's new at DYM, and so much more! Tune in!
This Week with Doug and Josh: Episode 15
Josh had a Choose Your Own Adventure weekend at JHM, and he's going to give away a fun wilderness survival game that he and his daughter made soon to Gold+ members! Doug shares his embarrassing? nicknames, and much more.
This Week with Doug and Josh: Episode 14
Youth Takeover Weekend - How to get it right! Doug OBVIOUSLY works out, and we take a sneak peek at what's coming in Sidekick. (Hint: it spins, it picks, and it can go ANYWHERE ON YOUR SCREEN LET'S GOOOOO)
This Week With Doug and Josh: Episode 13
How we Josh boosted his attendance to the highest ever with a simple dumb idea = Llamabucks.
This Week with Doug and Josh: Episode 12
Josh got back from a retreat with the youth team, Doug is doing a diet alone apparently, #blackcherry, and the SHOCKING Diet Coke and Mentos illustration is revealed! Plus some encouragement if you're feeling down.
This Week With Doug and Josh: Episode 11
You'll be SHOCKED how good this episode is. Josh used a cool object lesson that Doug thought was "meh", witchcraft?? and it's Doug and Josh's birthday week! What does that mean for you? Nothing really. Tune in!
This Week With Doug and Josh: Episode 10
It's Christmas! Josh and Doug are doing a fitness challenge, Doug thinks Josh is the kind of person who would use all the free money on a Starbucks card, and some tips on how to make your volunteer parties a success.
This Week with Doug and Josh: Episode 9
Getting the most out of everyone during spring planning, Sidekick is in the wild, and Josh disagrees with a church decision - what advice can Doug share? Tune in!
This Week with Doug and Josh: Episode 8
Thanksgiving Special! Doug and Josh talk about life, ministry, and how if you leave a turkey in the back of your car for 18 hours, you should probably throw it out.
This Week with Doug and Josh: Episode 7
Fudgsicles and the power of object lessons, plus a secret announcement leaked early only for listeners! It's this week with Doug and Josh!
This Week with Doug and Josh: Episode 6
Doug is sick, tips to help prepare a guest speaker in your youth ministry, Doug is sick ,the importance of debriefing yourself, and Doug is sick. It's this week with Doug (who's sick) and Josh!
This Week with Doug and Josh: Episode 5
A HUGE announcement for Coleader subscribers, how to put your volunteers to the test, and the 10 Minute Rule. It's this week with Doug and Josh!Learn more about Coleader here!
This Week with Doug and Josh: Episode 4
Someone DARES challenge Doug and Josh's undefeated pickleball record, recovering from a conference, the importance of rest, and the 48 hour power window of post-event debrief. Jump in!
This Week with Doug and Josh: Episode 3
Josh taught on a tough topic he felt uncomfortable with, a great interview tip when you're applying for a position, Doug has a candy-addiction, and some great leadership principles that will help you succeed in youth ministry. It's this week with Doug and Josh!
This Week With Doug And Josh: Episode 2
Youth group cellphone policy, angry parent letter(s), Josh doesn't think there's Christians in Nevada, Doug ISN'T thinking about the fall of the Roman empire, and more!Have a question, a joke, or hate mail? Send it to thisweek@downloadyouthministry.com and it may be featured on the show!
This Week With Doug And Josh: Episode 1
Join Doug Fields and Josh Griffin as they unpack their week in youth ministry in real time! Learn from their mistakes and years of experience doing youth ministry.Fun, practical, and interactive!
Episode 414: The Trip That Changed My Life
A long time ago, in a galaxy far far away, Josh went to a youth conference and met Doug Fields. The rest, they say...you'll have to listen about! Josh and Doug have spent their lives dedicated to helping youth workers succeed, and this year they want to come alongside YOU.Register for the free webinar on August 24 at 10 am PDT here!
413: The Ultimate Youth Ministry Bait and Switch
Join us on August 24, 2023 at 10 AM for our free webinar on building a healthy youth ministry!Register hereGet the FREE resources mentioned in this podcast! (Expires August 25, 2023)Student Ministry Volunteer ProcessLeader Equipping KitVolunteer Essentials Video Training
412: The One Thing That Will Impact Your Whole Ministry (10 Min Episode)
Doug and Jessica talk through the importance of navigating the urgent vs. the important.Get the FREE resources mentioned in the show!Time management toolPrayer Retreat Guide
411: Encourage Your Senior Pastor!
A quick reminder before Easter that your Senior pastor needs your encouragement! Doug and Josh give a quick few ways to lift up your Senior pastor as they prepare for this important weekend.
410: Brainstorming Your Summer Calendar!
Doug and Josh talk through making the most of brainstorming your Summer Calendar, and the best time to get it into the hands of your people. (SPOILER: It's before Summer!)
409: Helping Students Stick - Saving Some Stuff For High School Ministry
Josh, Jessica and Travis talk about the benefits of keeping certain experiences exclusive to each grade for your students.
408: Keeping Volunteers Engaged!
Volunteers are the lifeblood of a healthy ministry. Doug, Josh and Jessica discuss great ways to keep them encouraged!
407: Anonymous Angry Voicemail
Josh, Doug and Jessica discuss what do you do when you're given unsolicited feedback. SPOILER: It happens to EVERYONE.
Episode 406: The Power of Changing Up Your Programs
Doug, Josh and Jessica go over breaking up the norm by using a panel of volunteers and other ways to mix it up in your program.Get Doug's Testimony Tool here: https://www.downloadyouthministry.com/p/true-story%3A-testimony-tool/training-182.htmlStay Connected:Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/DownloadYMInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/downloadym/Twitter: https://twitter.com/DownloadYM
Episode 405: FAIL STORY! Junior High boys, Hammers, and Glass Oh My
Josh relates the story of how what he thought was going to be a great activity for the junior high boys in his life group...was not.
Episode 404: Calendars 101
Join Doug Fields and Josh Griffin as they talk about youth ministry calendars!https://blog.downloadyouthministry.com/podcast-extra-youth-ministry-calendar-spring-2023/
Episode 403: Stacked Events For The Win!
Learn how you can double up on events and make it a win for your ministry!
Episode 402: One Way You Can Develop Others
Doug and Josh discuss how you can use planned absences as a way to develop others into better leaders.
Episode 401: Shane Sanchez and "How to See God: A 4 Week Guide For Teenagers"
Josh jumped on zoom with Shane Sanchez to talk youth ministry and his new book, How to See God: A Four Week Guide for Teenagers. How to See God is a four-week devotional guide for teenagers that helps them develop the skill of looking for God's Spirit at work in their everyday world. Through the fruit of the Spirit, they can begin to see what God is like and how God's Spirit shows up in themselve
Episode 400: We launched something BIG!
Doug and Josh are BACK. We launched a new platform called Coleader that is going to be a game changer for the way you put together your youth ministry program. Check out coleader.co and get 40 credits for free, no credit card required.
399.756: Your First Few Years in Youth Ministry!
Ok ok the OFFICIAL Episode 400 is coming soon, but we can't wait to fill you in on some big stuff cooking! Head to 1stfewyears.com for all the details!
399 and 3/4ths: Have You Heard The Good News? (Try the DYM Gold Membership FREE!)
Doug, Josh and Jessica dive into a special short episode highlighting the DYM Gold Membership!Right now you can try the Gold Membership for FREE! (technically 1 cent, but who's counting)You get all of this right away:5 FREE Christmas resources$20 to shop DYM35% Off EverythingTry it today! https://bit.ly/dym-gold
399 and 1/2: Holiday Special!
It's the Holiday Special! Join Josh, Jessica, and the rare appearance of producer Travis as they talk through creative ways to make your December programs unique and memorable.
399: Handoff! Creating The Bridge Between Junior High and High School Ministry
Josh and Jessica discuss strategies for making the most out of Junior High and High School ministry, whether they're separate or combined!Link to the online course on programming mentioned by Josh in the show! http://bit.ly/ProgramLikeAPro
398: Share The Stage!
Doug, Josh and Jess talk about the power of enabling others to teach in your ministry and the practical ways you can implement a teaching team.
397: The Importance of Rest
Josh and Jess talk about how getting rest is vital to your longevity in ministry!
396: It's Always Something!
Criticism doesn’t have to crush you! Doug, Josh and Jess talk about the dip after the high.
395: Making the MOST Out Of Small Groups
Doug, Josh and Jessica talk through three ways they've learned over the years to improve your small group time. And also maybe Doug is the worst small group leader ever.
394: Meet and Greet And The Power Of Life Group Launch!
Doug, Josh and Jess discuss how they’re launching Life Groups, embarrassing celebrity interactions, and unnecessary fighter pilot lingo.
393: The Pressures Youth Workers Face In The Fall
Doug is back from vacation, joined by Josh and Jessica as they discuss the pressures that they face in youth ministry and how to respond to them. #youthministry #downloadyouthministry #ymtraining #ympodcasts
392: Become a Programming PRO!
Josh and Jessica talk about the upcoming FREE and EXCLUSIVE Youth Ministry Programming Like A Pro course releasing on August 2nd!PROgramming like a PRO course: https://offers.downloadyouthministry.com/en/youth-group-programming-course
391: Josh Is Not The Boss of Meeee
Doug, Jess, and Josh talk about what they're scared about in the upcoming season of ministry. Doug and Jess discover that they're not particularly good at singing, and Doug reveals something big in the works coming soon!
Recommended
Skin Deep MDs with Dr. Mamina Turegano, Dr. Lindsey Zubritsky and Dr. Jenny Liu
girl talk 🎧🫧
Booked, Blonde & Busy w/ Olivia Ponton
LOVE SOMEONE with Delilah
Classical Christian Education
Veritas Vox - The Voice of Classical Christian Education
Enjoy Teaching Again | Elementary, Teacher Burnout, Student Behavior, SEL, Classroom Management
Entrepreneur Kids Legacy Show - Family Motivation, Business Boss Babies, Inspirational Speakers and Healthy fun food
McKinsey on Consumer and Retail
megahired.com
Telli Talks with Telli Swift
Harmonize Your Life: Conversation on Self-Care for Women of Color
