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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EP19: Receiving the Whole Person with Anna Carter
April 20th, 2026 | Season 1 | 29 mins 15 secs
accompaniment in ministry, annie grande, 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, fr. chase hilgenbrink, how to accompany teens, how to evangelize, ministry calling, ministry inspiration, ministry leadership, missionary discipleship, parish ministry, pete burds, soccer, teen ministry, vocations, 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 talk with Anna Carter about what it means to receive someone’s story well. Together, they explore the role of curiosity, gratitude, and ongoing accompaniment in ministry, and why learning to listen well is essential for anyone walking with others in faith.
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EP18: The Life-Changing Power of NET Training
April 13th, 2026 | Season 1 | 30 mins 28 secs
accompaniment in ministry, annie grande, 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 explore the heart of NET Ministries’ missionary training and why it has been so transformative for so many young adults. They unpack the power of spiritual formation, small group discipleship, relational growth, and missionary challenge—and why inviting young people into deeper formation may be one of the greatest gifts we can offer them.
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EP17: Let’s Get Practical with Andy Baker
April 6th, 2026 | Season 1 | 33 mins 48 secs
accompaniment in ministry, annie grande, 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 talk with Andy Baker from the Diocese of Palm Beach about how relational ministry can transform diocesan and parish leadership. Andy shares why discipleship is a process, not a product, and offers practical insight on mentoring ministry leaders, engaging parents, building teams, and creating a culture where young people and adults can grow in faith together.
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EP16: Unlocking Your Influence
March 30th, 2026 | Season 1 | 31 mins 43 secs
accompaniment in ministry, annie grande, 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 and Annie talk about what it means to leverage your influence in ministry, even when you are not the one officially “in charge.” They explore the shift from maintenance to mission, the difference between your circle of concern and your circle of influence, and the practical ways ministry leaders can lead with intentionality, trust, and vision.
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EP15: Should Catholic Youth Ministry Exist with Fr. Chad
March 23rd, 2026 | Season 1 | 35 mins 25 secs
accompaniment in ministry, annie grande, 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
Annie and Pete are joined by Father Chad Van Hoose to explore a provocative question: Should Catholic Youth Ministries exist? Through an honest discussion of common objections, this episode reframes youth ministry through the lens of evangelization, discipleship, and mission.
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EP14: Sacred Listening with Dr. Josh Packard
March 16th, 2026 | Season 1 | 36 mins 10 secs
accompaniment in ministry, annie grande, 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, dr josh packard, evangelization, evangelization stories, faith formation, future of faith, how to accompany teens, how to evangelize, ministry calling, ministry inspiration, ministry leadership, missionary discipleship, parish ministry, pete burds, sacred listening, teen ministry, why are you here, ydisciple, ydisciple podcast, youth discipleship, youth minister tips, youth ministry podcast, youth ministry resources
Dr. Josh Packard joins Annie and Pete to explore why listening is central to discipleship in today’s world. Drawing from research on trust and relationships, this episode reframes listening as deeply formative, not merely supportive, offering practical encouragement for ministry leaders navigating modern challenges.
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EP13: Finding the Mentors with YD Coaches, Molly & H
March 9th, 2026 | Season 1 | 37 mins 8 secs
accompaniment in ministry, annie grande, 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 first Coaches of the Round Table episode, YDisciple coaches Molly Gallagher and H Dorian join Annie to unpack the challenges of recruiting faithful adult mentors. Through stories, humor, and practical wisdom, they offer hope-filled strategies rooted in prayer, vulnerability, and long-term vision.
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EP12: Camps, Conferences, and Where They All Fit
March 2nd, 2026 | Season 1 | 32 mins 44 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
Conferences and camps can be powerful moments of conversion — but they aren’t the end goal. In this episode, Pete and Annie unpack the proper place of mountaintop experiences in youth ministry and challenge leaders to think beyond follow-up toward a long-term vision for forming missionary disciples.
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EP11: The Ones Who Stayed with Chenele Shaw
February 23rd, 2026 | Season 1 | 43 mins 47 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
Chenele Shaw shares her powerful story of how a consistent youth minister changed her life—and why adult presence, not perfection, is what truly forms young disciples. This episode challenges ministry leaders to embrace authenticity, emotional engagement, and mercy toward themselves as they accompany teens toward Jesus.
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Bonus: Let's Keep The Conversation Going
February 19th, 2026 | Season 1 | 2 mins 19 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 brief mid-season episode, Pete and Annie pause to thank listeners for joining the journey so far and invite the YDisciple Podcast community to help shape what comes next. They encourage listeners to share feedback, questions, and episode ideas as the conversation continues.
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EP10: How to Ask Good Questions
February 16th, 2026 | Season 1 | 32 mins 21 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 and Annie explore why asking great questions is essential for authentic discipleship, relational ministry, and meaningful conversation with young people—following the example of Jesus, who led with curiosity rather than quick answers.
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EP9: Let's Get Practical with Elena Pope
February 9th, 2026 | Season 1 | 39 mins 43 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
Youth minister Elena Pope joins Pete and Annie to share how Spirit-led discernment, relational ministry, and creative problem-solving are transforming junior high discipleship within a family of parishes. A practical and hope-filled conversation for anyone navigating change in ministry.
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EP8: Myths in Youth Ministry (Part 2)
February 2nd, 2026 | Season 1 | 35 mins 23 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 Part Two of their Myths in Youth Ministry, Pete Burds and Annie Grandell tackle four more common misconceptions—about budgets, numbers, spaces, and qualifications—and replace them with a more relational, missionary vision of youth ministry rooted in identity, presence, and trust in God’s provision.
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EP7: Myths in Youth Ministry (Part 1)
January 26th, 2026 | Season 1 | 30 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
Do you really have to be young, entertaining, or innovative to be effective in youth ministry? In this episode, Pete Burds and Annie Grandell begin a two-part series by debunking common myths that limit ministry and replace them with a more relational, authentic, and hope-filled vision for walking with young people and their families.
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EP6: Sexual Identity with Dr Julia Sadusky
January 19th, 2026 | Season 1 | 37 mins 57 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
How we talk about sexuality, gender, and the body matters. In this episode, Pete Burds and Annie Grandell sit down with psychologist Dr. Julia Sadusky to explore how ministry leaders can speak truth with compassion, avoid harmful stereotypes, and create spaces of real belonging. A must-listen for anyone walking with young people through complex questions of identity, embodiment, and faith.
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EP5: Pre-Evangelization and Hospitality with Jason Kidd
January 15th, 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.