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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EP36: Work-Life Balance is Possible in Ministry with Bobby Moren
August 17th, 2026 | 34 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
Does growing your ministry have to mean sacrificing your family life? Bobby Moren shares how empowering adult leaders, embracing small groups, and rightly ordering his priorities helped him reach more students while finding greater peace, balance, and joy in ministry.
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EP35: Stop Watching Videos
August 10th, 2026 | 23 mins 30 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
Should youth ministers stop using videos? Not exactly—but they should remember that videos are tools, not discipleship itself. Annie Grandell and Pete Burds explore how to move beyond screens and create small groups where relationships, Scripture, prayer, and real conversations help young people grow in faith.
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EP34: When Faith Becomes Action
August 3rd, 2026 | 25 mins 25 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
Discipleship doesn't end when the discussion is over. Annie Grandell and Pete Burds explore why serving together helps young people deepen their faith, strengthen relationships, and discover that following Jesus means loving both God and neighbor in practical, life-changing ways.
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EP33: The Discipleship Practice We Skip Too Often
July 27th, 2026 | 25 mins 13 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 role should accountability play in discipleship? Annie Grandell and Pete Burds explore why accountability isn't about perfection or performance—it's about creating relationships that help young people build lasting habits, grow closer to Jesus, and become lifelong disciples.
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EP32: From Programs to Discipleship: Stories from the Field with Nick Scanlan & Makenzie Conner (Live Podcast Recording)
July 20th, 2026 | Season 1 | 33 mins 15 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
Recorded live at the Youth Discipleship Sprint, Annie Grandell talks with Makenzie Connor and Nick Scanlan about what it actually looks like to launch small group discipleship in a parish. Together, they share practical lessons on recruiting mentors, casting vision, empowering leaders, and creating a ministry where authentic relationships become the foundation for lasting faith.
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EP31: Are Our Efforts Paying Off?
July 13th, 2026 | Season 1 | 26 mins
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 continue their conversation with Father Chad VanHoose by exploring why the goal of ministry isn't simply to keep young people Catholic, but to accompany them toward a lasting relationship with Jesus. They discuss freedom, discipleship, curiosity, and how ministry leaders can respond with hope and compassion—even when people choose to walk away from the faith.
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EP30: The Real Reason You Can't Find a Youth Minister with Chris Wesley
July 6th, 2026 | Season 1 | 36 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
Chris Wesley joins Annie to discuss why the youth ministry staffing crisis runs deeper than hiring. Together they explore mentorship, leadership development, burnout, and how churches can create sustainable pathways that help ministry leaders flourish for the long haul.
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EP29: Affinity Groups– Is this the future of Small Group Ministry? with John Zimmer from FOCUS
June 29th, 2026 | Season 1 | 32 mins 30 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
John Zimmer of FOCUS joins Pete and Annie to discuss why authentic friendship remains one of the most effective pathways for discipleship. Together, they explore affinity groups, incarnational evangelization, and how faith takes root when leaders invest deeply in relationships that already exist.
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EP28: Enhance Your Ministry in 4 Days
June 22nd, 2026 | Season 1 | 27 mins 36 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 reflect on the Youth Discipleship Sprint and share key insights from ministry leaders across the country. They explore why trust has become one of the defining challenges of our moment, how authentic relationships create traction in ministry, and what gives them hope for the future of youth discipleship.
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EP27: What Happens When Great Ministry Minds Share a Room?
June 15th, 2026 | Season 1 | 24 mins
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 take listeners behind the scenes of the Youth Discipleship Sprint, NET Ministries' immersive training event for ministry leaders. They explore the power of practical discipleship, authentic community, and intentional accompaniment, while sharing why caring for ministry leaders is essential to forming the next generation of disciples.
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EP26: “Can We Keep Kids Catholic?” with Fr Chad VanHoose
June 8th, 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
Pete, Annie, and Father Chad VanHoose explore the question “Can you keep kids Catholic?” and why it may be the wrong goal. They discuss the limits of control in discipleship, the importance of personal witness, and how introducing young people to a relationship with Jesus—rather than relying on formulas—leads to deeper, lasting faith.
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EP25: Going Off Script with YD Coaches, Molly & H
June 1st, 2026 | Season 1 | 35 mins 48 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, Annie Grandell and YDisciple coaches Molly Gallagher and H. Dorian discuss the importance of “going off script” in ministry. They share practical examples of adapting in real time, prioritizing relationships over rigid plans, and trusting the Holy Spirit to guide conversations—leading to deeper connection and more meaningful discipleship.
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EP24: The Trinitarian Missionary Dynamic
May 25th, 2026 | Season 1 | 24 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
Pete Burds and Annie Grandell explore the “Trinitarian missionary dynamic” and how it shapes identity, discipleship, and evangelization. They unpack how communion with God leads to mission, and why understanding ourselves as beloved sons and daughters is essential for effective ministry and lasting spiritual growth.
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EP23: The Intersection Between Discernment and Discipleship with Fr. Chase Hilgenbrink
May 18th, 2026 | Season 1 | 29 mins 39 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
Father Chase Hilgenbrink shares his journey from professional athlete to priest, highlighting how an encounter with Jesus transformed his understanding of purpose. This episode explores the connection between discipleship and vocation, the importance of mentorship, and why today’s young people are searching for truth, stability, and meaning.
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EP22: 7 Things Everyone in Ministry Should Do This Summer
May 11th, 2026 | Season 1 | 32 mins 46 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 share seven practical ways ministry leaders can make the most of the summer season. From personal renewal and relational ministry to strategic planning and leadership growth, they offer a vision for approaching summer with intentionality, balance, and purpose.
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EP21: You Can’t Give What You Don’t Have with Ali Hoffman
May 4th, 2026 | Season 1 | 33 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
Pete Burds and Annie Grandell sit down with Ali Hoffman to explore why personal prayer is the foundation of all ministry. They discuss the tension between productivity and intimacy, the importance of rooting identity in being a beloved child of God, and offer practical ways to build a sustainable, life-giving prayer life.