The YDisciple Podcast
A podcast exploring the shifting landscape of youth culture and what it means to walk with young people in faith today. Hear honest conversations, fresh ideas, and real stories from ministry leaders in the trenches — as we learn, lead, and stay curious together.
About the show
Welcome to a space where curiosity meets mission.
In this podcast, we explore the shifting landscape of youth culture and what it really means to walk with young people in faith today.
Whether you’re a youth minister, teacher, pastor, volunteer, or simply someone who cares about the next generation — you’ll find insight, encouragement, and community here.
We don’t pretend to have all the answers. But through years of experience (and conversations with incredible ministry leaders in the trenches), we’ve gathered stories, lessons, and honest reflections worth sharing.
This is a space to stay curious, spark new ideas, and learn together as we serve young people and help them encounter Christ in a rapidly changing world.
We’re learners and leaders on the same journey — and we’re so glad you’re here.
Episodes
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EP5: Pre-Evangelization and Hospitality with Jason Kidd
January 12th, 2026 | Season 1 | 31 mins 41 secs
accompaniment in ministry, annie grandell, catholic conversion, catholic discipleship podcast, catholic discipleship resources, catholic evangelization, catholic leaders, catholic ministry training, catholic podcast, catholic youth formation, catholic youth ministry, conversion stories, discipleship training, evangelization, evangelization stories, faith formation, how to accompany teens, how to evangelize, ministry calling, ministry inspiration, ministry leadership, missionary discipleship, parish ministry, pete burds, teen ministry, why are you here, ydisciple, ydisciple podcast, youth discipleship, youth minister tips, youth ministry podcast, youth ministry resources
Pete Burds and Annie Grandell sit down with Jason Kidd from Alpha to explore pre-evangelization and radical hospitality. This episode unpacks why belonging comes before belief, how listening and curiosity open hearts, and how intentional environments and relationships prepare young people to encounter Christ.
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EP4: Vision for Small Group Discipleship
January 12th, 2026 | Season 1 | 34 mins 20 secs
accompaniment in ministry, annie grandell, catholic conversion, catholic discipleship podcast, catholic discipleship resources, catholic evangelization, catholic leaders, catholic ministry training, catholic podcast, catholic youth formation, catholic youth ministry, conversion stories, discipleship training, evangelization, evangelization stories, faith formation, how to accompany teens, how to evangelize, ministry calling, ministry inspiration, ministry leadership, missionary discipleship, parish ministry, pete burds, teen ministry, why are you here, ydisciple, ydisciple podcast, youth discipleship, youth minister tips, youth ministry podcast, youth ministry resources
In this episode, Pete Burds and Annie Grandell unpack the vision and foundations of small group discipleship. They explore how Jesus modeled discipleship, why relationships—not programs—form faith, and how customizable, mentor-led small groups create belonging, ownership, and real spiritual growth in young people.
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EP3: Relational Ministry with Mark Berchem
January 12th, 2026 | Season 1 | 30 mins 26 secs
accompaniment in ministry, annie grandell, catholic conversion, catholic discipleship podcast, catholic discipleship resources, catholic evangelization, catholic leaders, catholic ministry training, catholic podcast, catholic youth formation, catholic youth ministry, conversion stories, discipleship training, evangelization, evangelization stories, faith formation, how to accompany teens, how to evangelize, ministry calling, ministry inspiration, ministry leadership, missionary discipleship, parish ministry, pete burds, teen ministry, why are you here, ydisciple, ydisciple podcast, youth discipleship, youth minister tips, youth ministry podcast, youth ministry resources
In this episode, Pete Burds and Annie Grandell welcome Mark Berchem, founder of NET Ministries, for a deep dive into relational ministry. Mark shares the origins of NET, why relationships—not programs—form disciples, and how walking patiently with young people creates space for real encounter, belonging, and lasting faith.
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EP2: Defining Our Terms
January 12th, 2026 | Season 1 | 32 mins 31 secs
accompaniment in ministry, annie grandell, catholic conversion, catholic discipleship podcast, catholic discipleship resources, catholic evangelization, catholic leaders, catholic ministry training, catholic podcast, catholic youth formation, catholic youth ministry, conversion stories, discipleship training, evangelization, evangelization stories, faith formation, how to accompany teens, how to evangelize, ministry calling, ministry inspiration, ministry leadership, missionary discipleship, parish ministry, pete burds, teen ministry, why are you here, ydisciple, ydisciple podcast, youth discipleship, youth minister tips, youth ministry podcast, youth ministry resources
What if youth ministry is more than a program—and everyone walking with young people is a youth minister? In this episode, Pete Burds and Annie Grandell explore NET’s vision for youth ministry and share the seven pillars that help communities move beyond programs into relational, Christ-centered discipleship. This conversation offers hope, clarity, and practical wisdom for anyone serving the next generation in the Church.
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EP1: What is Your Why
November 24th, 2025 | Season 1 | 25 mins 41 secs
accompaniment in ministry, annie grandell, catholic conversion, catholic discipleship podcast, catholic discipleship resources, catholic evangelization, catholic leaders, catholic ministry training, catholic podcast, catholic youth formation, catholic youth ministry, conversion stories, discipleship training, evangelization, evangelization stories, faith formation, how to accompany teens, how to evangelize, ministry calling, ministry inspiration, ministry leadership, missionary discipleship, parish ministry, pete burds, teen ministry, why are you here, ydisciple, ydisciple podcast, youth discipleship, youth minister tips, youth ministry podcast, youth ministry resources
The current landscape of ministry isn’t easy— so what keeps us coming back, week after week?
In this first episode of the YDisciple Podcast, Annie Grandell and Pete Burds open up about their own encounters with Jesus, the mentors who shaped them, their ministry journeys, and why they’re still saying “yes” to walking with young people today. This conversation invites you to rediscover your own “why” for ministry and the people who helped you get here.