With the 2nd annual Youthscape / St Mellitus Lecture just 7 days away, this week's podcast features keynote speaker, the Rev Dr Sean Doherty for a sneak preview of some of the topic of the lecture. Martin and Rachel discuss sexual ethics and the church with Sean.
Driving all the way from Clitheroe to Luton, Ali Campbell joined Rachel and Martin in the studio to talk about youth worker salaries, line management and general employment stuff.
Rachel and Martin talk to Jim McDowell from YouthLink in Northern Ireland about the politics and history of life in Ireland and the daily impact this has on teenagers and youth work today. Jim and his team are doing some incredible work in schools and youth groups AND they've found the time to write the next series of OpenMe which starts next week.
Why does climate change matter? Do young people really care? What can we do about it as individuals, families, youth groups and churches? Martin hears about all this and more from Ruth Valerio.
We loved having so many international guests with us at NYMW18. In this episode, Rachel talks to Oleg and Lena who have been investing in youth work in the Ukraine for over 25 years.
Today's podcast is a flashback to NYMW18 where roving reporter Joe talked to Andy Kind about comedy, evangelism and preaching.
Church of England Missioner, Michael Moynagh, has written a great book about innovation and the church. Martin caught up with him via skype in what turned out to be his favourite interview ever. But first... what's been stuck inside his locker?
Martin and Rachel talk about "The Sex Talk" and how it's changed over the years before Rachel heads to the Shard to meet psychosexual therapist, Emma Waring.
Almost-Jesuit Stephen Hoyland was in town for a week of guided prayer so we booked Martin in for a session and recorded a podcast. It's a good one. There's talk of contemplation and spirituality, facilitating reflection for teenagers, how to know whether or not it's working and a healthy does of humour. Listen to this, and then listen.
How are those New Year Resolutions going? Martin and Rachel catch up on last year's good intentions and new interviewer Joe talks to Mark Andreson from Dare2Share about encouraging and resourcing teenagers to share their faith PLUS Sasha's first update from her world travels.
Happy New Year! We kick off the YS Podcast for 2019 with a great chat with Jenny Baker about her work at Redthread and her brand new venture, Out Of The Box Cards.
Jason Royce from Souster Youth talks about nativity plays, pig farming, Downton Abbey and even some youth work.
Rachel was in Norway this summer at the UL festival where she met Morten Eilki and Line Stordal. Listen in for some insights into life as a Christian teenager in Norway, what's getting Norwegian teenagers fired up at the moment and the culture of worship there.
Neil O'Boyle visited Youthscape HQ so Martin grabbed him for a chat about evangelism and the challenges of reaching young people through digital media. Rachel and Martin also tackle the divisive subject of eggnog and Martin tells the story of a recent evangelistic talk he gave...
Martin reflects on the National Youth Ministry Weekend in this extra YS Podcast. Expect tired ramblings, a dog, Chris Curtis, an actual podcast listener and a giant piece of fish. Oh and some actual reflections on an excellent weekend.
This week, Martin catches up with Leeds headteacher, Nathan Atkinson, who responded to a need in his pupils' daily lives, resulting in radical innovative programmes which transformed his school, the community, Leeds and beyond.
Join Rachel and Gemma in the garden while they chat about pastoring LGBTQ+ teenagers.
Find out what happened when Rachel and Martin went out for chicken in Harrow and hear from Tim Alford about starting youth ministry in the toughest places and how he maintains his own spiritual health.
It's Friendship Week on the YS Podcast - Martin and Rachel share their deepest friendship secrets and we hear from Nick Blanch at Norwich Youth for Christ about the discipline of accountable friendships.
Continuing our occasional series hearing from youth workers around the world, Rachel interviews Cuthbert Gondwe, Church Mobilisation Manager for Eagle's Relief - a Tearfund linked project in Malawi. Expect profound insight into the essential characteristics of a leader, stories of youth empowerment in Africa and thoughts on creation care.
Who rules the world? NERDS! Rachel talked to Tim Ross about how he sees the bible and the importance of diversity and generosity in church.
This week on the podcast, Rachel and Martin talk to Sanjay Rajo from Naujavan - an incredible ministry in the UK which supports and equips young South Asian Christians in their faith.
Sasha Austin-Seade dropped in for a podcast as she comes to the end of her time as Wellbeing Lead at Phase Hitchin and heads off round the world to experience youth work models in other countries.
Where do you listen to yours? That's the big question this week. (But the interview with Tim and Rae all about how they are helping churches serve children and young people in their communities is much more interesting)
Elizabeth Oldfield from Theos talks about screen breaks, hostility, disagreeing well and how we can better prepare young people to share their faith with their friends.
Special back to school edition featuring schools work consultant, Gordon Raggett, with special bonus appearances from Dave Westlake and Lahna Pottle.
This year, Youthscape celebrates its 25th anniversary. We invited originals staff member, Jo White, back to reminisce about youth work in Luton in the early days. Hear her baffle Martin & Rachel with stories of maggot racing, cabbage catapults and more.
Youthscape's National Project Manager, Jenny Flannagan talks Youth Work Sunday, Open Me and more
Up in Sunderland, Rachel met two great youth workers - Liz Russell, who has been a leader with the Girls Brigade for 48 years, and Andy Osenton, Director of Wearside Youth for Christ.
Rachael Newham visited to talk about her new book, Learning to Breathe and why she's so passionate about helping churches understand suicide and mental health.
Mark Arnold from Urban Saints joins Martin and Rachel in the studio to talk about how youth workers can support young people with additional needs.
Rachel caught up with Miriam Swaffield while she was out and about for a chat about discipleship, community and prayer.
The "Ideas Machine Gun" visited YSHQ for a chat with Martin Saunders. Expect new ideas, thoughts on church, youth, resources and more, as well as some searingly honest conversation about when things don't go as well as you'd hoped.
Welcome to the YS Podcast West Country Special. Sophie Doyle joined us all the way from Cornwall to talk about unity, calling, gap years, young leaders and scones. (Jam first, then butter, obviously)
We finish our TGDP podcast series with an interview with Arianna Walker of Mercy UK about seeing women set free to be who they were created to be.
Rachel talks to Laura Hancock - Youth For Christ's Director of Church Resources about the Body section of the book. How does the portrayal of the female body in the media impact how young people view their own bodies?
This third Girl Deconstruction Podcast comes with a fantastic interview with Chine McDonald on courage in the face of stereotypes.
Today Rachel interviews Cathy Madavan about speaking, preaching and teaching. Find out how to pre-order a copy of Rachel's book or how you could be one of five lucky winners to get an amazing TGDP goody bag...
We're interrupting the usual YS podcast schedule to bring you not one but FIVE podcasts about Rachel Gardner's exciting new book, The Girl Deconstruction Project. Every day this week we'll bring you a fresh new interview with some of the most insightful, wise and challenging female voices in and around the Christian youth work world. First up: Lou Fellingham
When Patrick Regan came to Luton for the day, Martin and Rachel took him out for lunch and persuaded him to record a podcast. Listen out for stories of XLP, exciting news of Patrick's new venture, Kintsugi Hope, and full details of the most annoying things that Martin and Rachel do.
This week our very own Matt Allen and Beki Lannap talk about their work with NEET/RONI young people in Luton and how taking them into a forest for an overnight survival experience can raise aspirations.
Rachel catches up with the National Youth Evangelism Officer for the Church of England - he's only responsible for 16,500 churches. No biggie. Jimmy talks about the Talking Jesus: Youth research and some of the controversial statistics.
This week, Matt, Charles and Karen head to Luton for our first team-podcast. These three are the youth and children's work team at St Mary Reigate. Tune in to hear about their experiences of working together and not just one but TWO musical games.
Rachel meets Ali Martin from Soul Survivor to talk festivals, encouraging other leaders and the link between what happens at Soul Survivor in the summer and the church in Watford all year round.
Introducing Youthscape's brand new Director of Research, Lucie Shuker.
Joe Lowther chats to Martin about Kick London and how churches can engage young people through sport, and Rachel meets Rachel who runs Kick London's Dance Academies as well as Beth, a young footballer.
Mark Oestreicher from the Youth Cartel talks about growth and development as a youth worker and his new book; 4 Views On Pastoring LGBT Teenagers
Mike Royal dropped in for a chat about life as a bishop, town planning and the way it shapes communities, church unity across ethnic and racial divides, Grenfell, TLG, the Cinnamon Network and more.
Rachel heads to Coventry where she catches up with Matt Cossey from Nexus ICA, and Martin shares the Megan Fox anecdote
When the brilliant Mike Palin headed to Athens GA, he promised to send back an in-depth report for the YS podcast... and he didn't disappoint. This week's podcast features Gage Henry and Mark Lamb from Athens Church talking about small group ministry, young leaders, how young people serving in church serves the whole family and the differences between UK and US culture. Including grits.
This week, Martin catches up with Alex Heath, Director of Faith Formation, School Chaplaincy and Liturgy at the Catholic Diocese of Northampton.
It's the 50th EVER YS Podcast and to celebrate, we've got more guests than presenters! Hear from Pete, Bryony and Dan about the amazing work of PaisGB in growing young leaders, reviving a traditional method of Bible study and impacting local schools.
Almost a year after the bombing of the Ariana Grande concert in Manchester, we talk to local youth worker Susie Mapledoram about how youth workers in the city have been supporting young people after the attack.
Andy Winmill and Amy Heyes popped over from Birmingham for the day so we dragged them into the freezing cold podcast studio.
Jamie and Theresa from The Message Trust talk about faith, following Jesus, failure and more.
Rachel hears all about Spring Harvest's plans for an all-new indoor camping youth festival, Helen Cutteridge talks about volunteering in the youth venues and Martin shares what might be the worst youth work idea he's ever had.
Ssshhhh, don't tell Martin but we sneaked into the studio and recorded this bonus extra podcast to celebrate his 40th birthday!
Urban Saints' Director, Richard Langmead shares some of his hopes for Urban Saints, growing young leaders and his dreams of adventure.
A bonus extra episode of the Youthscape podcast recorded especially for Self Harm Awareness Day.
This week Phoebe Hill heads to the podcast studio to discuss the findings of No Questions Asked? - the latest report from Youthscape's Centre for Research.
Dr Andrew Root joins the podcast from America, talking about his latest book; Faith Formation In A Secular Age.
This week, local Deputy Headteacher, Rosalind Paul, drops into the studio. Ros has been involved with Youthscape since the beginning so has some great insights and advice for youthworkers wanting to work well with schools.
Rachel catches up with good friend, Brian Draper to talk about how to use mindfulness techniques to connect with God and help young people engage with it too. And we find out why Martin is a little bit more sparkly than usual...
Kate Middleton popped in to YS Towers for a quick game of #WhatIf? and a chat about emotional wellbeing
Rachel's opening topic has Martin and Mike squirming in their seats before they even get a chance to talk youth work. Stay tuned to find out which award Mike won in 1994
Martin and Rachel discuss music and Rachel interviews Chip K about using music in youth and schools work.
Martin grabs a skype interview with Lee Kirkby before he heads out for a day at the zoo...
Bringing together New Year resolutions, YouTube, an academic lecture and 1980s children's TV in a way that only the YS podcast can...
It's Christmas Day and the YS Podcast team are hanging out with Matt Adcock to talk festive films, youth work and how to get on the esteemed podcast shout-out list. Listen out for news of a brand new, fully funded MTh opportunity too.
Another double-header as Rachel interviews Victoria Etherington from the York Methodist Circuit and His Eminence, the Reverend Professor Doctor Sir Pastor Duke Len Kageler from NYACK
This week, Jamie and Naomi from the [Concrete] team bring us an interview with Kenda Creasy Dean with some questions based on their reading of The Theological Turn in Youth Ministry.
Recorded at the National Youth Ministry Weekend with a real-live audience, this episode features thought provoking discussion on male identity, gangs and purpose with Naomi Allen, Mike Royal and Nathan Dennis, with bonus extra interview with Alia Pike. Hosted by Martin Saunders and Cat Deeley.
A double header this week as Rachel catches up with Jon Langford to talk about discipleship and mentoring for young leaders but throws in a blast-from-the-summer interview with Oli Deeks too. But more importantly... can Martin drink his tea out of a jug?
In a YSPodcast FIRST, Rachel and Martin publish an on-the-day review of the National Youth Ministry Weekend. Expect highlights, lowlights, hints of what God was up to and even a conversation about toilets.
At Soul Survivor this summer, Rachel sat down with Bob Wallington to talk images and filters, friendships and welcome and the way we present the details about our youth work.
Don't get too excited but some of this podcast was recorded in AN ACTUAL STUDIO!!! Martin catches up with Ruth Jackson, the new editor of Premier Youth & Children's Work Magazine.
Captain Mischief and Henrietta Tornado are joined this week by Naomi Allen from XLP
Martin and Rachel are joined by the lovely Liz Edge for a chat about mental health and her new book.
This week Martin interviews the boss. But what will Rachel say when she finds out that he and Chris started without her?
Ever wanted to know what Martin's favourite bumper sticker is? Or which English words are popular in Italian? Or who will finally win the Word Challenge?
Football is this week's focus as Rachel and Martin both interview Emily and Ashley from Message On The Ball.
Following the recent launch of 9Beats, Youthscape's Alex Drew catches up with Mark Scandrette about the spiritual experiments aspect of the project and why it's important for young people to experience spirituality.
Martin and Rachel catch up with another NYMW speaker over Skype. Nathan Dennis is a Birmingham-based youth worker with all sorts of exciting stories to tell...
Dr Nick Shepherd joined the Youthscape team for chapel and breakfast so we recorded this interview during team meeting.
A skype conversation with Jendella Benson inspires more discussion between Martin & Rachel around how as youth workers we respond to teenage pregnancies and support younger parents.
Grace Wheeler from YFC drops in for a chat with Rachel about evangelism and the journey of faith.
This week, Paul Friend joins us all the way from Exeter to talk about rural youth ministry, along with stories from Rachel and Martin's holiday adventures...
Have you ever wondered what Martin and Rach were like at school? We find out when Emily Bosworth pops down from Leeds to talk Schoolswork...
Vicky Piggott-Genge got in touch by email so we skyped to find out what she had to say about managing a busy youth and children's work programme at her church in Poole.
This week, Rachel catches up with theresource.org.uk's Ali Campbell for an in-depth look at family, discipleship and all age church, Martin unwraps the new, improved Shuffle and the pair suggest their definitions of 'quack'
This week, Rachel and Martin are joined by Karen Hornett, Youthscape's Finance Director. Expect fundraising tips, youth work wisdom and 17 different versions of the best laugh you've ever heard.
Roving Rachel takes the YS Podcast on tour and finds Pete James and Christy Wimber in sunny Skegness
An introduction to one of the NYMW speakers; Tim Chaddick, as well as a chance to find out who really owns Martin's mum's biscuits.
Engage Worship's Sara & Sam join us for an insightful discussion on silence, personal spirituality and ornamental cabbages.
This week Ruth Ayres (Youthscape) hangs out in the studio with Rachel and Martin to talk about mental health, caring for young people and the Super Bowl.
This week we bring you an exclusive interview with the Director of The Shack, Stuart Hazeldine, complete with authentic London coffee shop background noise.
Martin and Rachel interview one of youth work’s most listenable voices, Matt Summerfield and unpack one of Youthscape’s newest resources #IsItOK?
Martin grabs an interview with the youth team from Open Doors when they drop in to the Youthscape offices, with discussion about Soul Survivor and the fourth word challenge - will it be Martin’s first win?
Rachel’s interview with Luke Hamilton (Alpha) sparks a discussion on young people and evangelism
Martin reveals some of the speaker line-up for the National Youth Ministry Weekend, Rachel interviews Natalie Collins (Spark) about domestic violence and the Youthscape team set another word challenge.