On The Frontier: A Young Life Podcast

This week, Jonah Werner (@jonahwerner) is On The Frontier to discuss his first Young Life experiences (1:56), how he handles a Young Life Banquet (6:00), and how he incorporates storytelling into songwriting (9:35). He also shares his favorite story from 1 of the 33 month long assignments he's done (17:00). 

Ryder & Ben discuss Christmas lists, Ben's illustrious program career, and recap this week's Young Life Social Media webinar (9:43), "Missionaries in a Digital World." If you want to think more intentionally about your area or personal social media presence, this recap (as well as the original webinar here), is for you! Sign up for more social media news, etc! Finally, Ryder & Ben share some of the books that have most influenced their ministry, including:  The Gospel of John by Dale Bruner, (11:58) The Divine Conspiracy by Dallas Willard (12:59) Surprised by Hope by N.T. Wright (16:31) Daring Greatly by Brene Brown (18:30) Just As I Am by Billy Graham (22:04)  Multipliers by Liz Wiseman (23:15) Les Miserables by Victor Hugo These books, and many others, keep us on the frontier. All leaders are readers, so this Christmas season, pick up a book and start reading! What book has most shaped your ministry? Tweet at us, at @frontierpod, and let us know! We'd love to r

Description: Ben & Ryder are On the Frontier this week discussing to call-ins from fellow YLer's asking about how to be great leaders where they are at. Isn't that we are all wondering? First, we ask for your frontier pics (0:50). Snap and photo and email hello@onthefrontierpodcast.com or tweet at @frontierpod, and we're going to feature you having "cabin time on your commute" all week! Back to the episode, Mary (2:05) and Pat (3:00) both ask about leading YL in a new role or new spot, and Ben/Ryder dive into a discussion of a few of the quintessential experiences they had early on in one spot or another, that came to define leadership for them. Topics include crucial discipleship with 2-3 people (4:36), leading on a team that includes locally planted adults (5:54), having a meaningful relationship that started in contact work (10:54), and encountering dynamic YL clubs (11:58) to get some sweet vision for the future of a new school. Let's not leave it there, though. What are some essential experiences y

To commemorate the Thanksgiving feast you are about enjoy, Ben and Ryder pack an audio feast into an early release this week, just in time for your Thanksgiving commute home. First thing is first, thankfulness (1:50). For an appetizer, our resident adolescent pop-culture expert, Celia, joins to talk about some of the latest trends of apps and entertainment for students (3:35), including House Party (4:48), the new Harry Potter movie (6:00), Joe Bidden (7:25), and 'Andy's Coming' (8:15). Next, Ben thanks you, our amazing listeners (9:55), and then we jump into a rich discussion about food and so much more with Tex Piper (10:38), who leads Young Life's food services and ensures excellence in that area of our mission. Tex's wisdom transcends the food world, as we venture into philosophy of food (11:16), camping (11:50), discipleship (13:02), excellence (14:32), pioneers in Young Life food service (16:32), and the story of the big cookie (18:32). Tex also reveals his favorite Thanksgiving tradition, Strawberry Pr

LOOKOUT. Ryder & Ben are stoked to be back on the frontier discussing this semester's best leadership analogies thus far (0:39). These include Swimming Pools, Rocky, the in-between, and balancing the "no pressure" nature of Young Life with individual's opportunity to be fully human. Ryder explains this week guest and his profound impact on Young Life (8:38). Scott Berg joins the show (12:33) to talk about the New and Next team (16:01), our new camp in West Virginia (19:56), how YL is 'jumpstarting' in new towns with local leaders (21:12), and of course, a Daniel Boone like story from the field (25:00). Hat tip to Scott and his team, they are true pioneers, but everything he says can be applied by everyone in YL.  This episode of OTF is brought to you by AudibleTrial.Com/OntheFrontier. By using the aforementioned link you will receive a free month, and a free audio book (swag) just because you are an OTF listener. Enjoy!

Ryder & Ben unpack their weekends, discussing fall camp (0:20 ), and the power of social media (1:19). Then, they jump into the enneagram (3:00). The enneagram is an ancient personality test helping people understand themselves, how the relate to others, and how they can better connect with God, assigning you a number, 1-9. Justin and Ben briefly unpack all nine types, including their own. The conversation begins at "9" (8:44), then moves to "1" (12:17), "2" (14:54), "3" (17:38), "4" (20:26), "5" (25:11), "6" (26:42), "7" (29:22), and finally, "8" (32:39). Written descriptions can be found below. Thank you to our friends who read their numbers!  Before listening to the episode, we'd encourage you to go to test.onthefrontierpodcast.com to learn which enneagram number you might be. Then dive back in to learn more!  Type Nine The Peacemaker. The easy-going, self-effacing type. Nines are accepting, trusting, and stable. They are usually creative, optimistic, and supportive, but can

Ryder and Ben are back On the Frontier discussing Jim Rayburn's last address to Young Life staff and some assorted history of our mission (3:00), before diving into a discussion with Angel Ruiz (9:52) about his life, staff experience, and diversity in Young Life, including his thoughts on Young Life and Latino culture (14:12) and the Latino Student Staff movement (16:00). The conversation finishes with a discussion of cultural intelligence (19:38). Mark jumps in to talk about start-ups and local ownership (He's a boss at start-ups). We talk strategy for ministry in big cities (28:30), and Young Life's frontiers (33:00). Per usual— this episode of On The Frontier is sponsored by Audible.com, where you can get a free trial using our code www.audibletrial.com/onthefrontier

Ben will attend "Hamilton" next month (in honor of his mom's birthday -- HBD Mom!) and an episode was inspired. A cultural phenomenon, the broadway musical Hamilton has inspired a world hungry for diversity, revolution, and legacy. Ben and Ryder are on the frontier this week, discussing how the musical has inspired them by highlighting their favorite quotes from the soundtrack. The episode opens with James' cover of "History has its Eyes on You" (0:00), and our hosts talk Hamilton history and context (in case you are unfamiliar with the movement) (2:00). Ryder and Ben also discuss "a ragtag army of YL volunteers" (5:15), "talking less" in ministry (9:17), leading like you are "running out of time" (16:03), Young Life as a "great unfinished symphony" (20:00), and finally "the word turning upside down" (23:14). James Tutson provides his own interpretation of each song (because he's a boss). All original Hamilton music credit goes to Lin Manuel Miranda.  This episode of OTF is sponsored by Audible.com

Ben & Ryder respond to and unpack an audio message from Seth Michels (Young Life Staff in Louisville, KY). Seth inspires us to think differently about how we "sell" Young Life: should we talk less about physical, crazy, wild aspects of YL, and more about the intangible, the real, and the meaningful parts of our mission? Ryder & Ben also discuss the roots of "marketing" Young Life, and make some suggestions on how to practically use the intangibles to tell the story of Young Life.

Join Justin & Ben in the Frontier as they discuss the challenges of ministry, and when they feel most alive in the midst of those challenges (2:37). Later in the episode, they are joined by Jack Nikcevich, Regional Director of Young Life's Raceway Region, one of the most healthily growing regions in the U.S. Jack shares his background (8:38), the leadership principles that drive his life and ministry( 15:10), and the ideas that shape his marriage & partnership with his wife, Linda (26:20). At the end of the episode, Ben, Ryder, and Jack discuss how Young Life can be even more impactful over the next 75 years than it was in the first 75 (32:30). This episode is dedicated to Jenna Henderson, an immensely faithful Young Life Leader & friend.

Ben & Ryder discuss the importance of their friendships in shaping their journeys on Young Life staff, as well as a 31-year long example of such friendship. Ryder is joined on the podcast by his long-time best friend, and Young Life staff person Cliff Wright. Cliff & Ryder discuss the genesis of their friendship, sharing both the healthy and unhealthy pieces that such close friendship can bring. Cliff also talks about his hopes for the next generation of Young Life ministry.

Ben & Ryder review #FollowYLDay (2:40), discuss Ben's quixotic quest to save the calzone at Timber Wolf Lake (5:05), and learn more about how Justin is trying to improve his club talks (6:30). Later, Ryder sits down with John Wagner, the Senior Vice President for Young Life in the Greater New York Division (11:29). They discuss his book "Perfect", John's son David, ministry in the diverse context of New York City, and more. See you On the Frontier!

In this special mid-week episode, join Ryder & Ben, along with returning guest Alex Lewis to discuss #FollowYLDay, happening TODAY! We'll also discuss Donald Miller's Storybrand, and how we can use those principles to tell the Young Life story! Want to learn more about the Storybrand framework? Visit storybrand.onthefrontierpodcast.com.  

Ryder & Ben are inspired by Grace VanderWaal (:30), a WyldLife sensation who won the most recent season of America's Got Talent! They also discuss their own musical backgrounds (1:05), and the vital importance of music in the mission of Young Life (2:40). Later in the episode, they are joined by musician Annie Lawrence (7:11), who spent her entire summer as a special musician at camp. Listen to Annie unpack how her music intersects with her Young Life story (7:39), the lives of high school & junior high students (12:17), and her own journey through cancer (21:36). At the end of the episode, don't miss the first live musical performance ever on this podcast (26:23). We hope you'll join us for another week On The Frontier!

Brodie Smith (frisbee trick shot artist) just gave Young Life a shoutout on national TV at the Miss America Paegant (2:10)! This reminded us: it's hard to explain Young Life on the spot. Try it. Ben and Ryder discuss the most influential questions they've ever been asked about leadership, life, and ministry (7:22). Try them on if you'd like, and let us know what questions have most profoundly impacted you, using the hashtag #YLquestions. Ep. #010 is sponsored by Audible.com, where you can get a free month trial of Audible and a free audio book by going to www.audibletrial.com/onthefrontier

Ryder and Ben relive the nostalgia of "Time for Living" (2:10), Young Life's first viral video. Its legacy lives on in Young Life's current social media team, who strive to tell the stories of the mission of Young Life (10:45). After the break, special guest Alex Lewis (@lewisalex10), Young Life's digital marketing specialist, joins Ryder (12:45) to talk about his YL Story (13:50), his job with Young Life's brand direction (15:33), his digital inspirations (16:46), his desire to see us be sharper online and in person as leaders (22:38), how to get featured on Young Life's official account (25:17), and upcoming social campaigns you should know about (31:37).

Ben & Ryder are back On The Frontier discussing the appointment of the new Chief Diversity Officer of Young Life, BeBe Hobson. They also discuss elements of healthy tribes, or communities, across every level of an organization -- especially Young Life. They are also joined by Frontier Ranch staffer, Brooklyn Weber (@brooklynn17), for a conversation about another way YL creates tribes: the weekly volleyball tournament at summer camp. 

Ryder & Ben, along with surprise guest host Morgan McGhee (@morgm91), explore the back to school season. They discuss their hopes and fears about a new year of YL (1:57), and learn Morgan thoughts on how to start a new school year well (7:25)!  Later, Ryder goes on the Frontier with Pete Hardesty (@petehardesty) to discuss all things Young Life College (12:22). Pete tells some stories close to his heart, gives insights about Young Life in college, and discusses the first week of college through the lens of a freshman.

Ben and Ryder revisit Episode #003, discussing comments from listeners about how to bring the radical nature of YL camp to everyday life. They also discuss autonomy and purpose in Young Life, and what keeps us going in ministry (2:25). Later, Kathy Craig (@kcraigmadness), WyldLife Director in Fishers, IN, joins us to discuss women and mothers on Young Life Staff (15:17) and her passion for WyldLife ministry (22:40).

Ryder and Ben sit down with Drew Hill, author of The Young Life Leader Blog. Drew's site has been slammed over 3.3. million unique times in its life. Drew has been on the frontier for years -- providing resources, ideas, and encouragement to Young Life leaders all over the world. We discuss his story, the genesis of the blog, and the parody of numbers and depth in ministry.