The Living Youth Podcast - podcast cover

The Living Youth Podcast

Wallace Smith & John Robinsonlivingyouth.org
The Living Youth Podcast helps teens and young adults think biblically about culture and current events. It’s hosted by Wallace Smith and John Robinson.
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Episodes

The Dangers of (Bad) Therapy Culture

A psychotherapist recently warned about how therapy seems to have shifted away from encouraging people to grow and overcome, emphasizing instead validation, externalizing problems, and pathologizing many ordinary struggles, and the same trend can be seen in the culture at large, outside of the therapy room. As usual, the Bible gives us vital principles we need to keep in mind to think clearly in a society going awry.

Jun 26, 20261 hr 6 minSeason 5Ep. 203

Thinking Biblically About "Project Hail Mary"

Sci-Fi "buddy movie" with Ryan Gosling and an alien friend, what's not to love? "Project Hail Mary" was very popular, but what thoughts or meditations does it spark if we're willing to think biblically? Today, we explore just that question.

Jun 12, 20261 hr 3 minSeason 5Ep. 201

El Salvador & Millennial Musings

A recent visit to El Salvador (thank you to all who were there!) and the changes President Nayib Bukele has made there has us musing about the Millennial reign of Jesus Christ and what is possible—and impossible—in this world without Him. Join the conversation!

Jun 05, 20261 hr 2 minSeason 5Ep. 200

Why Does Gen Z Want to Live in the Past?

A poll recently showed that many young adults wished they lived in the past—not the distant past, but often just the 1980s or 1990s. What is driving those feelings? And how do we respond biblically when we feel the pull ourselves? Let's talk about it.

May 29, 20261 hrSeason 5Ep. 199

Seven Reasons You Need God's Holy Spirit

“The Holy Spirit is the difference maker.” So said special guest Mr. Phil Sena on this episode of the podcast! With Pentecost right around the corner, join us as we discuss the differences God's Spirit makes in your life.

May 21, 202650 minSeason 5Ep. 198

A Super-Quick Post-Council of Elders Update!

Not much time today! But all the more since we will both miss next week, we thought we'd sit down with you and give you a super-quick update on the Council of Elders meeting that just took place (with a tip of the hat to very old Episode 18!). Please pray for all the men and their wives who will be traveling home!

May 15, 202622 minSeason 5Ep. 197

President Trump's "National Sabbath" Proclamation

On May 4, 2026, the White House published a "National Sabbath" proclamation from U.S. President Donald Trump. Was this an egregious violation of the separation of church and state? A wholehearted embrace of the biblical Sabbath? Or something else? It caught the attention of a lot of Sabbath-keepers (like us), so let's take a closer look.

May 08, 202636 minSeason 5Ep. 196

What a Time to Be Alive!

It struck us recently that we are living in momentous times—in terms of technology, current events, and prophetic fulfillment. So today, we touch on just a few of the many reasons why it is quite a time to be alive!

May 01, 202655 minSeason 5Ep. 195

Simplifying Faith

Faith is often misunderstood and, to be sure, is a concept rich with meaning. It helps to break it down into simpler ideas that, while having their own profound depths, are perhaps easier to grasp—and to understand how to grow in. Join us today as we discuss a simple take on faith and what it means to have it (or not).

Apr 24, 202659 minSeason 5Ep. 194

Jane Austen & Thinking Biblically

Every book, movie, or miniseries we consume presents an opportunity to practice biblical thinking. So do our conversations later with others about it. So, we practice that today, ourselves, by looking at some of Jane Austen's works—favorites of some of our listeners—and discuss biblical principles they might prompt us to consider.

Apr 17, 20261 hr 9 minSeason 5Ep. 193

Relationship Red Flags & Green Flags

At some point in the lives of young adults, dates begin to narrow from showing someone a nice time or enjoying a social activity with a friend to "OK, which of these folks are husband or wife material?" (Or, equally important, "Am I husband or wife material?") On today's episode, we take a listener question and apply some biblical thinking to the question of "red flags" and "green flags" concerning the sort of people we should be looking for—and striving to be—as the possibilities of marriage op...

Apr 10, 20261 hr 4 minSeason 5Ep. 192

Taming Your Shoggoth

We know it's a weird title, but bear with us for a bit... Lift the hood (or bonnet for some of our non-U.S. friends) on A.I. and you see some strange things. But some of those strange things can teach us a lot about our own battle with human nature and about what God is trying to achieve in our lives. Join us today as we look at just one fascinating (if a little terrifying) example.

Apr 03, 202657 minSeason 5Ep. 191

Seven Tools for Self-Examination

In God's Festivals, the spring Holy Days are a time of self-examination. While we might hear the admonition to examine ourselves fairly frequently, how do you go about doing that? Are there any "boots on the ground," practical approaches? Yes, there are. Today, we share seven approaches you can use, not just during this Festival season, but any time.

Mar 27, 202659 minSeason 5Ep. 190

Because of Passover...

Passover is a little more than a week away! As the first of God's annual festivals and the one picturing Jesus Christ's sacrifice for us, it has much to teach us. Join us today as we discuss five lessons we learn from this momentous day.

Mar 20, 202650 minSeason 5Ep. 189

Thinking Biblically About the War in Iran

Depending on the news outlet you listen to, the U.S.-Israel war against Iran is either extremely successful or doomed to failure. But while pundits and newscasters throw out analysis and predictions, we need to ask ourselves: How do we think biblically about the situation and see God's perspective? Join us as we talk about that! (Bonus points to listeners who catch our suggestion that Europe would be wise to learn from Batman in this situation.) In this episode, we mention Mr. Mario Hernandez' e...

Mar 13, 20261 hrSeason 5Ep. 188

Are the 7 Churches of Revelation 2 & 3 Prophesied Eras?

Are they just letters to seven first-century congregations, containing general advice that applies to all of us, or are they all of that and more? In fact, the letters to the seven churches of Revelation 2 & 3 are indeed more: They represent prophesied, successive eras of the Church of God over two millennia, from the first century to end-times. On today's podcast, we'll look at some of the evidence.

Mar 06, 202653 minSeason 5Ep. 187

Biblical Thinking on Tattoos and Piercings

Tattoos and body piercings seem to be on their way to becoming the norm in society. How do we think biblically about such things? What are the right questions to ask ourselves?

Feb 27, 20261 hr 6 minSeason 5Ep. 186

Three Insights for the Young from Our Time at the NRB

Sitting here in a car with Messrs. DeSimone and West, coming back from the Religious Broadcasters Convention, it hit us that some of the things we heard and experienced this week prompted some very particular thoughts concerning the teens and young adults in the Church (and those who love them). So, if you'll put up with a little recorded-on-the-phone-and-in-the-car audio, it's our pleasure to share those thoughts with you!

Feb 20, 202648 minSeason 5Ep. 185

All About Men's Training Camps!

The Living Church of God's Men's Training Camp weekends are phenomenal opportunities for men to come together and grow as Christians. Seen properly, they benefit not just the men who attend, but all of us. On today's podcast, Mr. Jonathan McNair, the Director of Living Education, stops by to discuss the goals and purposes of these programs and to give us a sense of what they are like.

Feb 13, 202645 minSeason 5Ep. 184

Philadelphia, Laodicea, & the End-Time Church of God

Received a question from a young listener about what it means to be Philadelphian or Laodicean and how that relates to us individually as a part of the Church of God. So, we crack open your Bibles with us and let's look at the answer!

Feb 06, 20261 hr 19 minSeason 5Ep. 183

Ambassadors for the Prince of Peace

As the world descends into angry, hateful collections of people, it will be easier than we might think to join in. But blessed are the peacemakers! We are to represent a coming kingdom of peacemakers, which means we need to learn how to make peace in the small, personal worlds we've each been given. Today, we discuss being a peacemaker and offer three pieces of biblical advice for becoming one.

Jan 30, 202658 minSeason 5Ep. 182

They Want to Draft Your Mind...

There is an ongoing effort—from big corporations and governments to social movements and influencers—to draft your mind to help with their causes. Many of us sign right up without realizing it. Maybe you have, too. But God desires you to be part of a different cause. Stop signing up for theirs and stay focused on His. On today's podcast, we talk about principles to help keep us focused.

Jan 23, 20261 hr 8 minSeason 5Ep. 181

Remembering Mr. Herbert W. Armstrong

Today, January 16, 2026, marks 40 years since the death of Mr. Herbert W. Armstrong. On this episode of the podcast, we look with gratitude at only a small handful of the precious truths he was used by God to restore to the Body of Christ.

Jan 16, 202657 minSeason 5Ep. 180

Between the Old and New Testaments

With Mr. Mark Sandor still in the studio, we lean on him for some historical insight into what took place between the Old and New Testaments, which adds a lot of helpful context for what we read concerning the first-century beginnings of the Church. Enjoy!

Jan 09, 20261 hr 5 minSeason 5Ep. 179

It's YOUR Church, Too!

Today, Mr. Phil Sena joins us again to discuss steps teens and young adults can take to embrace the fact that the Church of God is not just their parents' church, but theirs as well. Join us!

Jan 02, 202655 minSeason 5Ep. 178

Answering Your Questions (with Help from Mark Sandor!)

Mr. Mark Sandor is in town for the big family weekend, so we decided to take advantage of his presence and address some questions sent in by our wonderful listeners. On this episode, we have questions about who can keep the Passover, when to counsel for baptism, avoiding worldly attitudes about dating, and being open with God in prayer. We hope you'll join us!

Dec 25, 20251 hr 22 minSeason 5Ep. 177

The Blessings of Keeping the Bible's Holy Days

If we're willing to step out in faith and observe the Bible's holy days—the feasts of God listed in its pages and kept by the first-century Church—instead of the counterfeit days proffered to us by counterfeit Christianity, we find there are many blessings that become ours. In this episode we discuss five blessings we hope you won't take for granted. Join us!

Dec 19, 202551 minSeason 5Ep. 176

Christians Don't Celebrate Christmas

It might seem paradoxical, but it's a fact: Christians don't celebrate Christmas. And they don't because Jesus would not want them to. If following Christ means anything to you at all, then listen in this week to learn what everyone needs to understand this time of year.

Dec 12, 202541 minSeason 5Ep. 175

You CAN Study the Bible!

Many know they should be studying their Bible, but it can feel intimidating. But don't let doubt (or the devil) stop you! You can do it! Join us today as we give you six approaches to getting over the hump and getting started in your Bible study.

Dec 04, 202558 minSeason 5Ep. 174
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