Best Pod Have Mercy Podcasts (2025)

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Episode 200: BISHOP ANDE EMMANUEL (UMC Nigeria) 56:36

22d ago56:36

56:36

This week on Pod Have Mercy, we’re joined by Bishop Ande Emmanuel, the resident bishop of The United Methodist Church in Nigeria. In a conversation that is both sobering and urgent, Bishop Emmanuel sheds light on the escalating tensions between UMC and GMC members in Nigeria—tensions that have led to violence, misinformation, and even the tragic lo…

1
Episode 199: WE'RE IN TANZANIA (ft.Bishop Mande Muyombo) 28:19

29d ago28:19

28:19

This week on Pod Have Mercy, we’re recording from Dar es Salaam, Tanzania, with a very special guest: Bishop Moyambe. Together, we explore the inspiring work of the United Methodist Church in Tanzania, how it’s growing, how lives are being changed, and what the future holds. Bishop Moyambe shares firsthand stories of transformation, hope, and the p…

1
Episode 198: SHANNON HOPKINS 49:59

1M ago49:59

49:59

This week on Pod Have Mercy, we welcome Shannon Hopkins, co-founder and lead cultivator of RootedGood, to talk about the evolving landscape of the church and its role in today’s world. Shannon brings a wealth of experience in social entrepreneurship and innovation, having launched or influenced more than 15 campaigns and trained over 200 social ent…

1
Episode 197: SHAME 17:11

1M ago17:11

17:11

This week on Pod Have Mercy, we talk about shame, how it shows up in our lives, how we carry it, and how we begin to let it go. As Christians, we often wrestle with guilt and shame, but we also believe in something stronger: connection. In this episode, we explore the idea that the antidote to shame isn't perfection—it's being known. True healing h…

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Episode 196: POPE FRANCIS 31:43

2M ago31:43

31:43

This week on Pod Have Mercy, we reflect on the life, leadership, and lasting legacy of Pope Francis, following the news of his passing. Known as a reformer, a bridge-builder, and a pope of the people, Francis reshaped the global perception of the Catholic Church with his compassion, humility, and unwavering focus on the margins.Join us as we unpack…

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Episode 195: EASTER (with Rev. Michael Jarboe) 21:49

2M ago21:49

21:49

In this Holy Week edition of Pod Have Mercy, John Stephens and Michael Jarboe take a thoughtful (and at times hilarious) walk through the final days leading up to Easter: Maundy Thursday, Good Friday, Holy Saturday, and Resurrection Sunday. They share insights from their own ministry experiences, the weight and wonder of this season, and even pause…

1
Episode 194: A.D. PLAYERS 1:10:03

2M ago1:10:03

1:10:03

This week on Pod Have Mercy, we welcome Jayme McGhan and Andy Pederson from A.D. Players at the George Theatre for a powerful conversation on art, faith, and moral courage. Jayme, the Executive Artistic Director and an accomplished playwright and educator, and Andy, the Education & Theater for Young Audiences Director, join us to discuss their new …

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Episode 193: REV. ERIC SOARD 51:32

2M ago51:32

51:32

In this episode, we sit down with Rev. Eric Soard, Executive Director of the Wesley College Foundation and an ordained deacon in the Memphis Annual Conference. Eric shares his powerful journey from youth ministry in Tennessee to a decade of mission work in Tanzania, where he and his family served in orphan care, church planting, and community devel…

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Episode 192: TRAVEL AND TRANSCENDENCE 29:16

3M ago29:16

29:16

This week on Pod Have Mercy, we explore the transformative power of travel, the way stepping into unfamiliar places can open us up to awe, wonder, and something beyond ourselves. When we allow the mystery of a place to surprise us, we find that travel isn't just about geography, it's about transcendence. We draw parallels between these experiences …

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Episode 191: WHAT IS AN EVANGELICAL? 31:59

3M ago31:59

31:59

In this episode of Pod Have Mercy, we tackle a big question: What is an evangelical? Using insights from a recent Pew Research Center study featured in Christianity Today, we explore the shifting landscape of evangelical identity in America. From racial diversity to political affiliations and even church attendance trends, we unpack the surprising …

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Episode 190: RELIGION IN AMERICA 27:57

3M ago27:57

27:57

In this episode, we dive deep into the shifting landscape of religion in America, exploring the growing divide between those who identify as religious versus spiritual. Drawing on recent PEW research, we discuss the numbers behind this trend, examining the rise of spiritual but not religious individuals and what it means for the future of faith in …

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Episode 189: COLIN BAGBY 54:44

4M ago54:44

54:44

This week on Pod Have Mercy, we’re joined by Colin Bagby, the lead pastor of Branches Church in Houston, Texas. Colin shares the heart behind Branches Church, a place where everyone belongs—no matter who you are or where you're from. With a mission to build a welcoming home and community, Colin discusses the vision of creating a church that reaches…

1
Episode 188: STAN COPELAND 59:08

4M ago59:08

59:08

In this episode of Pod Have Mercy, we are honored to welcome Dr. Stan Copeland, Senior Pastor of Lovers Lane United Methodist Church in Dallas since 1998. Dr. Copeland has dedicated his ministry to "loving all people into relationship with Jesus Christ," fostering a vibrant and diverse congregation through various outreach ministries. Under his lea…

1
Episode 187: PASTOR JOSEPH RIOS 47:35

4M ago47:35

47:35

This week on Pod Have Mercy, we welcome Pastor Joseph Rios, leader of Generaciones, a thriving Spanish-speaking worship community of Chapelwood! (iglesiageneraciones.org). Join us as we dive into a powerful conversation about the challenges and opportunities of ministry in Houston’s Spanish-speaking communities. We discuss the growing need for fait…

1
Episode 186: THE PARABLE OF THE SOWER 40:25

4M ago40:25

40:25

In this episode of Pod Have Mercy, we dive deep into the recurring themes in Disney movies—why do the parents always die? Is there a hidden formula behind it, or is it simply a storytelling device? We also discuss the latest updates from the church and reflect on how they might be shaping the modern faith landscape. Finally, we explore the parable …

1
Episode 185: RICHARD BECK 55:18

4M ago55:18

55:18

We’re honored to welcome Richard Beck to Pod Have Mercy this week! Richard is a psychologist, author, and professor who has spent decades exploring the intersection of mental health, spirituality, and justice. His work is groundbreaking, particularly in the areas of prison ministry and the way our spiritual lives intersect with our emotional well-b…

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10.17 FWH Pod Squad Reunion 1:52:13

5M ago1:52:13

1:52:13

It's somehow been 18 months since we last recorded together, so we decided to catch you up on our lives since we wrapped up reading DoT every week! To our lovely Firewhiskers, we love you and miss doing this on a regular basis and this was so fun for us. Thank you for the remarkable journey this pod has been! TW: lots of health (physical and mental…

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Episode 184: THE CHRISTMAS STORY (Gen Z Edition) 22:48

6M ago22:48

22:48

This week on Pod Have Mercy, we’re getting into the holiday spirit with a twist! Tune in as we read the Christmas story… but not in any ordinary way. Instead, we’re diving into the ChatGPT Bible written in full-on Gen Z lingo. It’s a fresh, hilarious take on the birth of Jesus, and trust us, you won’t want to miss it. Plus, we’re keeping it real wi…

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Episode 183: EDEN CHURCH 41:28

6M ago41:28

41:28

This week on Pod Have Mercy, we’re joined by Abraham Guajardo and Jared Darby, the co-pastors of Eden Church, a new church plant in Houston, Texas. In this episode, we dive into their unique journey of starting Eden Church and how they’ve embraced a co-pastoring model—a refreshing alternative to traditional leadership structures. Abraham and Jared …

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Episode 182: PRACTICE GRATITUDE (Thanksgiving Special) 34:01

7M ago34:01

34:01

This Thanksgiving, join us for a special episode where we dive deep into the transformative power of gratitude. Based on the insightful article "Attitude of Gratitude" from Calm, we explore how cultivating a grateful mindset can change the way we see the world, improve our mental health, and enrich our relationships.In this episode, we’ll discuss p…

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Episode 181: WHAT IS CONTEMPLATIVE WORSHIP? 31:23

7M ago31:23

31:23

This week on Pod Have Mercy, we dive deep into the powerful intersection of contemplative worship and music with special guests Michael Sciretti and Peter Johns. Michael and Peter are part of The Center for Contemplative Spirituality. In this episode, we explore how contemplative worship can lead us into deeper communion with the Divine, and how mu…

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Episode 180: JAMES KELLY MUSIC!! 33:16

7M ago33:16

33:16

This week on Pod Have Mercy, we’re joined by James Kelly, a highly skilled pianist, singer, and worship leader from Houston, TX. Known for his exceptional versatility across genres like gospel, jazz, country, and pop, James has spent his life perfecting his craft. With a background in classical training and a natural gift for improvisation, he’s be…

1
Episode 179: VIPIN THEKK AND THE ELECTION 49:28

7M ago49:28

49:28

This week we're joined by Vipin Thekk, an expert in transformation and cultural innovation, to explore how we can reconnect in an increasingly divided world. With the election season in full swing and polarization at an all-time high, we discuss how social media, isolation, and a fractured sense of community are shaping our society—and what we can …

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Episode 178: ELECTION SEASON 57:41

8M ago57:41

57:41

Join us this week as we dive into the pressing issues surrounding the upcoming election and explore how Christians can navigate this pivotal season with grace and purpose. We’ll discuss practical steps for engaging with the political landscape while staying true to our faith. Plus, we’ll unpack an insightful article titled "5 Lessons Christians Can…

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Episode 177: MOSES NJOBVU 37:48

8M ago37:48

37:48

Today we sit down with Moses Njobvu, a pastor, missional entrepreneur, and community advocate from Malawi. As the founder and team leader of the Abundant Life Center in Mitundu, Moses has dedicated his life to uplifting vulnerable communities through a holistic approach to ministry.Moses’s journey is one of resilience and transformation. Having fac…

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Episode 176: LEROY BARBER 50:45

8M ago50:45

50:45

In this powerful episode, we sit down with Leroy Barber, a dedicated leader with over 20 years of experience in combating poverty, homelessness, and racism while fostering what Dr. King called "the beloved community." We discuss Leroy's innovative projects, including the founding of Atlanta Youth Academies and Community Grounds Coffee shop, and his…

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Episode 175: HURRICANE MILTON 40:18

8M ago40:18

40:18

In this episode, we sit down with Trevor Barnett from The Restoration Team, a dedicated organization focused on disaster recovery and community rebuilding. With a wealth of experience in hurricane recovery efforts, Trevor shares his insights on the profound impact of Hurricane Milton and the challenges communities face in its aftermath. We delve in…

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Episode 174: HURRICANE HELENE 26:44

9M ago26:44

26:44

This week we are joined by Rev. Dr. Jonathan Smith and Dr. Scott Hagan to discuss the relief efforts happening in Georgia after Hurricane Helene. Join us as we explore the stories of resilience and hope from those affected, highlighting the amazing work being done through BullochStrong.com. Whether you’re directly affected by the hurricane or simpl…

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Episode 173: DR. WARREN KINGHORN 55:28

9M ago55:28

55:28

In this episode of Pod Have Mercy, we are thrilled to welcome Dr. Warren Kinghorn, a renowned expert at the intersection of theology, medicine, and mental health. Dr. Kinghorn is the Associate Research Professor of Psychiatry and Pastoral and Moral Theology at Duke University. He also co-directs the Theology, Medicine, and Culture Initiative at Duk…

1
Episode 172: Mental Health and the Loneliness Epidemic 29:48

9M ago29:48

29:48

Content Warning: In this episode, we discuss topics related to mental health, including depression and suicide. These discussions may be distressing or triggering for some listeners. If you or someone you know is struggling with mental health or thoughts of suicide, we encourage you to seek support from a mental health professional or contact a cri…

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Episode 171: MATT MIOFSKY RETURNS! 53:32

9M ago53:32

53:32

This week we're joined by Matt Miofsky, Lead Pastor of The Gathering in St. Louis and an accomplished author. We'll dive deep into his new book, exploring themes of faith, failure, and resilience. As a ministry innovator, Matt offers unique insights into the intersection of spirituality and everyday life. Don't miss this enlightening conversation t…

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Episode 170: THE WEIGHT 48:39

9M ago48:39

48:39

On this episode, we sit down with Eddie Rester and Chris McAlilly, the hosts of The Weight podcast. Known for diving into life's most challenging questions, they explore faith, mental health, leadership, and personal growth with depth and authenticity. In The Weight, they invite guests from all walks of life—pastors, artists, athletes, and thinkers…

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Episode 169: WE ARE BACK! 15:07

10M ago15:07

15:07

This week we are back from summer break! We have a new studio design and lots of guests lined up for the fall season. Today we check in on what John and Matt have been up to over the summer and what they are excited about for the fall at Chapelwood.

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What's Next for the Future of Shonen Jump? 1:12:57

10M ago1:12:57

1:12:57

Many anime and manga fans are questioning the future of Shonen Jump, as some of the heavy hitters such as My Hero Academia, Jujutsu Kaisen, and One Piece are all in their endgame. So, we at The Amateur Otaku felt that it should be a no-brainer to talk about the future of Shonen Jump, with the previously mentioned being over soon.The Amateur Otaku i…

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Episode 168: REV. CESAR MARTINEZ 32:11

12M ago32:11

32:11

This week we are joined by Reverend Cesar Martinez! Rev. Martinez has been a Pastor in the UMC for the last 12 years. He leads a multicultural, multilingual, and multigenerational church in Houston Texas called CrossRoads UMC. Today we talk about how the United Methodist Church can better serve those in the community of Houston and how we can creat…

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Episode 167: TEXAS ANNUAL CONFERENCE 2024 29:38

1y ago29:38

29:38

This week we are joined by Rev. Gregg Taylor and Rev. Melissa Maher at the Texas Annual Conference! We get an update from Rev. Taylor on his church in Minneapolis and we hear about how Rev. Maher has transitioned into a new and exciting role within the United Methodist Church.

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Episode 166: JOHN RETURNS FROM SCOTLAND 34:27

1y ago34:27

34:27

Today we get a quick update from John's travels to Scotland. We talk about how many of the churches in Scotland have been converted to pubs, restaurants and art galleries. We discuss how Chapelwood's digital media reach makes uncommon connections near and far and much more!

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Episode 165: ROBERT HILLIKER AND LOGOS 47:31

1y ago47:31

47:31

This week we drop in on a group therapy session that is hosted by Logos, a group therapy resource started by Robert Hilliker. We discuss how Robert Hilliker first began his group therapy practice and some of the concepts that he finds foundational. For more information visit: https://logosgroups.com

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Episode 164: TORNADO RELIEF IN HOUSTON 25:00

1y ago25:00

25:00

This week we talk about the devastating weather event that occurred in Houston and how we are responding to those in crisis. For more information on how you can receive help or donate to the relief efforts visit Chapelwood.org/storm.

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Episode 163: IBRAIM NASCIMENTO 51:34

1y ago51:34

51:34

Ibraim Nascimento is an international, Afro-Brazilian artist from the historic city of Cachoeira, Bahia. He has exhibited his work throughout Brazil and the United States, from California to Texas. Iconoclast, an organization associated with Chapelwood, recently commissioned Ibraim to create the cover art for an annual book of poetry that they publ…

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Episode 162: UNITED METHODIST CHURCH UPDATE 56:43

1y ago56:43

56:43

Today we are joined by Rev. DeAndre Johnson and Pastor Lindsay Kirkpatrick to discuss some changes that are taking place in The United Methodist Church. John Stephens served as a delegate to the United Methodist Church’s General Conference in Charlotte, North Carolina. The two-week long process uses the first week to divide into 14 different legisl…

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Episode 161: LINDA KAGEY 1:13:43

1y ago1:13:43

1:13:43

Linda Kagey, LCDC, ADC is a licensed chemical dependency counselor with more than 20 years of experience providing addiction and codependency treatment to adults, adolescents and families. She has extensive counseling experience with both the criminal and family law systems and can provide evaluations and therapy as needed, as well as expert testim…

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Episode 160: SHARIQ ABDUL GHANI 1:04:17

1y ago1:04:17

1:04:17

Today we have a very special guest, Shariq Abdul Ghani! In this heartfelt conversation, Shariq delves into the richness of his faith traditions, sharing personal anecdotes and insights on how his beliefs have shaped his understanding of the world and humanity. We discuss the commonalities that exist between Islam and Christianity, emphasizing the s…

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Episode 159: MICHELE RUSSELL 41:16

1y ago41:16

41:16

Today we are joined by a very special guest, Michele Russell! Michele Russell received her Master of Science degree in Marriage and Family Therapy from Fuller Theological Seminary in 1995. During her 22 years working in the field of mental health, she served as a staff counselor at Texas Children’s Hospital Learning Support Center and established t…

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Episode 158: REPORTING FROM GREECE 8:52

1y ago8:52

8:52

In this special episode, John Stephens and Josef Klam check in with us from their pilgrimage in the footsteps of the apostle Paul.

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Episode 157: TOD BOLSINGER 36:10

1y ago36:10

36:10

Join us this week as we dive deep into the realms of empathy, understanding, and grace with our special guest, Tod Bolsinger. In this enlightening episode, Tod Bolsinger, renowned author, speaker, and leadership expert, shares his insights on navigating the complexities of leadership with empathy and humility. From leading with a compassionate hear…

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THIS WEEK IN ANIME: FIRST LOOK AT NETFLIX'S AVATAR: THE LAST AIRBENDER 1:45:39

1y ago1:45:39

1:45:39

Tonight, we are talking about the live-action Avatar: The Last Airbender after years of anticipation. The Amateur Otaku is a podcast for anime & manga fans, old and new, where we talk about everything from My Hero Academia, Cowboy Bebop, Attack on Titan, or some other nuggets in the world of anime and manga.You can listen to us on:Spotify: https://…

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THIS WEEK IN ANIME: DOROHEDORO AND MONSTERS: 103 MERCIES DRAGON DAMNATION 1:09:36

1y ago1:09:36

1:09:36

In this week's episode of This Week In Anime, the crew is gathered around to cover Enchiro Oda's prequel to One Piece, which is named 103 Mercies Dragon, and the reptile-heavy Dorohedoro.The Amateur Otaku is a podcast for anime & manga fans, old and new, where we talk about everything from My Hero Academia, Cowboy Bebop, Attack on Titan, or some ot…

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THIS WEEK IN ANIME: 91 DAYS (2016-ORIGINAL ANIME SERIES) 1:34:20

1y ago1:34:20

1:34:20

THIS WEEK IN ANIMEJOIN JAMIE, ISAK, AND BRANDON AS THEY CATCH UP WITH THEIR ANIME/MANGA JOURNEYS OF THE WEEK AND DISCUSS THIS WEEK ANIME SPOTLIGHT. This week, we cover the mafia, revenge-filled, lasagne-loving show known as 91 Days, created by animation studio Shuka JOIN US IN THE CHAT AND SHARE YOUR FAVORITE ANIME OR MANGA OF THE WEEK AND WE'LL GI…

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Episode 156: GOOD FRIDAY AND TEMPTATION 24:29

1y ago24:29

24:29

This week we talk about the three temptations of Jesus according to Richard Rohr. In Matthew’s Gospel, the temptations are not just isolated events but profound lessons for us all. In the first temptation, Jesus confronts the challenge to misuse personal power. In a world where the allure of greatness and recognition can be overwhelming, Jesus teac…

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