Annie Grandell
Co-Host of The YDisciple Podcast
Annie Grandell serves as the Director of YDisciple with NET Ministries, where she equips parishes and ministry leaders to form adults who can authentically accompany young people in discipleship.
A graduate of the University of St. Thomas’ Catholic Studies program, Annie brings both theological depth and over a decade of parish youth-ministry experience. Her work centers on transforming youth ministry from event-based programming into a culture of mentorship in the Christian life.
As a speaker, writer, and trainer, Annie helps ministry leaders reimagine their approach to evangelization. Grounded in the conviction that context matters more than content, Annie believes effective ministry begins not with teaching, but with truly seeing, knowing, and loving the young people God has placed before us.
Annie lives with her husband and children in Minnesota and is fueled by grace and coffee.
Annie Grandell has hosted 33 Episodes.
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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.
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EP20: Unique and Unrepeatable Teens
April 27th, 2026 | Season 1 | 28 mins 24 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 reflect on the dignity of the human person and what that means for ministry. They discuss how curiosity, reverence, and relationship help us move beyond programs and outcomes to truly accompany the young people and people around us with love.
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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.