Youth Groups to Warped Tour: Christianity in Emo Culture

Today, we're talking about a chapter of emo history that's a little overlooked, but deeply influential: the intersection of Christian youth group culture and the rise of the third wave emo/post-hardcore scene in the early 2000s. This was an era where kids came out mosh pits on Saturdays to youth groups on Sundays. Where faith, frustration, introspection, and hardcore collided in ways that shaped how we felt music. We'll explore the bands that bridged that gap, how faith influenced lyrics and communities, the way youth pastors unintentionally guided teens toward moshing, and how fans remember it all.  If you'd like to come on to share your emo experiences, favorite stories or lore from bands you love, or an EMO-ment for a future episode, email [email protected] or message me on Instagram @school.of.emo