Candid Conversations with Dr. Jonathan Youssef

In a culture where identity has become fluid, how can Christians respond with Biblical Truth with both conviction and compassion? In this episode of Candid Conversations, Jonathan Youssef sits down with Dr. Katie McCoy, author of To Be a Woman: The Confusion Over Female Identity and How Christians Can Respond. Together they unpack one of the most pressing questions facing the next generation: Who decides who we are? Dr. McCoy traces the rise of gender confusion from the roots of radical feminism and expressive individualism to the explosion of gender dysphoria among Gen Z. With clarity and grace, she explains why this moment is not just a social issue but a spiritual one, a battle over what it means to be human and made in the image of God.

Can faith survive doubt, family legacy, and the rush of modern technology? In this compelling conversation, Dr. Michael Keller, pastor of Redeemer Lincoln Square, theologian, council member of the Gospel Coalition and a Fellow for the Keller Center for Apologetics. He is also the son of the late Tim Keller. In this conversation, Michael describes his journey from inherited belief to authentic, grace-filled faith. From questioning Christianity amid the pressures of being a pastor’s child, to encounters with Buddhism, to the powerful pull of the gospel, Michael’s story is honest and deeply relatable. Host Jonathan Youssef joins Michael for a candid discussion on finding true freedom in faith, the humility of repentance, and how artificial intelligence is shaping the way we engage with theology today. Whether wrestling with doubt, digital disruption, or the challenge of living authentically, this conversation offers fresh encouragement for navigating faith in a rapidly changing world.

What if the habits shaping your daily scroll are quietly shaping your soul, and your church, for the next generation? In Part 2 of our conversation with Brett McCracken and Ivan Mesa, editors of Scrolling Ourselves to Death, we take a deeper look into the ways digital technology forms our hearts, relationships, and communities. From "main character syndrome" to the epidemic of information overload, the conversation unpacks how every generation, Gen Z to Boomers, is being discipled by screens, and how the Church can resist digital shallowness by reclaiming real, embodied community. Listen to practical encouragement for churches hungry to nurture countercultural connection and for individuals eager to recover timeless Christian practices in a sea of distraction. Discover why hopeful, Gospel-rooted engagement, not fear, must anchor our response to a rapidly shifting technological world. Whether leading, parenting, or just wondering how faith fits in a digital age, this episode delivers challenge and hope for the journey ahead.

Are you equipped to stand firm in the Christian faith in today’s ever-changing culture? Jonathan Youssef welcomes Trevin Wax, co-author of The Gospel Way Catechism, to discuss the importance of Christian catechism as a tool for spiritual formation in today’s world. Trevin is a vice president at the North American Mission Board (NAMB), a visiting professor at Cedarville University, and a regular columnist at The Gospel Coalition. This conversation unpacks the meaning of catechism, its vital role in discipleship, and the inspiration behind this book, a resource designed to help Christians discern Biblical Truth amid cultural confusion. Listen now to discover how classic elements of catechism can be adapted for modern challenges, including secularism, expressive individualism, and technological developments like artificial intelligence. This episode offers insights into making faith accessible to all ages, with news of an upcoming children’s catechism, and practical tips for applying catechetical truths to everyday life and outreach.

Are you feeling overwhelmed by the challenge of raising children to stand firm in their Christian faith because the culture pushes back at every turn? You’re not alone. Today, countless parents, teachers, and mentors are searching for hope-filled answers and practical, Biblical guidance for the next generation. In this episode of Candid Conversations, Jonathan Youssef offers practical insights for parents, grandparents, and anyone passionate about discipling kids in today’s challenging culture. Join him to discover three Biblical strategies for teaching, mentoring, and praying for the children in your life. Listen and learn how to boldly speak Truth, help your children build relationships grounded in Christ, and understand why inviting the Holy Spirit into their journey is vital. Tune in to empower the next generation with a foundation rooted in God’s Word.

A man lands in Dublin for a job interview. That night, in a hotel room, Jesus appears to him in a vision. The next morning, he stands weeping at a church gate, waiting for someone to explain what just happened. That’s not fiction. It's just one of the stories Pastor Joe Kerrigan shares in this unforgettable episode of Candid Conversations. From deliverance ministry to revival in the heart of Ireland, Joe’s journey will challenge your comfort, stir your spirit, and remind you what God can do with a willing “yes.” Jonathan Youssef sits down with Pastor Joe Kerrigan, a former chef turned pastor, who leads Trinity Church in Dublin, Ireland. Joe shares how his dramatic encounter with Jesus on the road to Damascus changed everything and how that “yes” to Christ began a lifelong journey of healing, deliverance, and Gospel proclamation. Now, after decades of ministry, Joe is witnessing something extraordinary: a spiritual awakening in the heart of Dublin. Through testimonies of revival, supernatural encounters, and radical discipleship, Joe reveals what happens when a church says yes to the Lord’s call and opens wide its doors to the broken, the skeptical, and the seeking. Joe’s words are urgent, heartfelt, and deeply challenging. If you’ve felt stuck, stale, or longing for more in your own walk or your church, this episode will ignite your faith.

“There has never been a better time to evangelize the next generation.”That’s a bold statement, but one Dave Jensen stands behind with passion, clarity, and decades of ministry experience. In this energizing episode, Australian evangelist Dave Jensen returns to Candid Conversations to share why now, yes, right now, might be the most wide-open moment in our lifetime to reach Gen Z and Gen Alpha with the Gospel. From pandemic disillusionment to a cultural craving for meaning, Dave and Jonathan explore the social and spiritual shifts that are sparking a hunger for Truth among young people worldwide.

What do Listerine strips, backyard barbecues, and cartoon characters have to do with kids meeting Jesus? More than you might think. In this lively and insightful episode of Candid Conversations, host Jonathan Youssef welcomes back Zack Carden—pastor, storyteller, and creator of Grey Bobby Ministries—to explore the incredible opportunity churches have with Vacation Bible School (VBS). Zack shares how his passion for the Gospel and kids collided unexpectedly, leading to years of creative VBS leadership that blends humor, theology, and deep discipleship. Together, they unpack why VBS still works, how it transforms both kids and teen volunteers, and what churches can do to make the most of this high-impact week.