PODCAST · religion
Gird Up! Podcast
by Gird Up! Podcast
An unapologetically Lutheran voice for the ordinary Christian.
Episodes
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1094 - Vampires, Dating Apps, and Christ’s Heavenly Scars
In this episode of Gird Up, host Charlie Ungemach sits down with Pastor Jacob Klug (Mountain View Lutheran, Calgary, AB) and Seminarian Colin Maurice for a wide-ranging, three-part conversation. First, Pastor Klug shares how his congregation uses high strangeness, vampire lore, and sci-fi culture...
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1093 - In the Matrix, Not of It: Algorithms, the Good Old Days, and the Bag of Grace
How do Christians remain in the world without becoming captive to the digital age? In this episode, Charlie Ungemach sits down with Seminary Senior Colin Maurice and Pastor Jacob Klug to break down what it means to faithfully navigate our modern culture. This episode covers three distinct...
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1092 - Silence in Grief, Atheist Gotchas, and the Ship of Baptism
When loss hits hard or life falls apart, the silence of God can feel deafening. Where is God when you are grieving a loss, a relationship, or a season of your life—and why does it feel like He isn't answering? On this episode of the Gird Up Podcast, host Charlie Ungemach sits down with Pastors…
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1091 - When a Loved One Comes Out, Church Culture Hot Takes, and the Means of Grace
What happens when someone you dearly love tells you they identify as transgender? How do we balance unyielding Scriptural truth with genuine Christlike love, and where does Sunday worship fit into it all? In this episode, Charlie Ungemach sits down with Pastor Josh Rathje (Crown of Life Lutheran...
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1090 - Grounded in Scripture: Unlocking Confessional Lutheran Truth with the Open Book App
In a digital landscape filled with generic spiritual advice and performance-driven theology, young Christians need a reliable foundation anchored in God’s Word. In this episode, host Charlie Ungemach sits down with Grace Ungemach and Cameron Schroeder to discuss the vital role of historic…
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1089 | Doubting the Resurrection, Newton, and the Shield of God’s Name
What happens when the bedrock of your faith feels like it’s slipping away? Can you still call yourself a Christian when you are plagued by deep, recurring doubts about the resurrection of Jesus? In a world that treats doubt either as an unpardonable sin or a badge of intellectual honor, young...
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1088 | Can a Layperson Stand in the Gap? Church Planting & Digital Discipleship with Mara Rugen
Church planting sounds romantic in synodical reports, but what does it look like when the hype wears off and you're the one setting up chairs? This week, Charlie sits down with Mara Rugen—digital creator, Idaho church planter, and Lutheran laywoman. They dive deep into the beauty of ordinary...
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1087 | Politics, Mammon, and the Two Kingdoms with the Pflughoeft Boys
Why is the church so fractured over politics when Scripture calls us to be "one in Christ"? In this episode, Charlie sits down with Pastors Chris and Tony Pflughoeft to unpack the intersection of faith, government, and the human heart. Using the framework of the Two Kingdoms, they break down the...
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1086 | More Joy Than Guilt: Dismantling Purity Culture with Christ with Jonny Lehmann and Isaac Hayes
Is "purity culture" actually biblical, or did it just leave a generation of young Christians with unnecessary trauma and spiritual burnout? In a high-pressure culture that constantly demands perfection, it’s easy to confuse God’s discipline with His punishment. We often treat sin like a series of...
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1085 | Vocation, Burnout, and Mental Health with Pastors Chris & Tony Pflughoeft
Can you quit your job for your mental health, or is that giving up on the place God put you? In a culture that tells you to find your identity in your career while simultaneously burning you to the ground, young Christians are often left stuck in the middle. We easily confuse the burdens of a…
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1084 - Chad Bird | Finding Christ in the Old Testament
Many Christians secretly struggle to reconcile the God of the Old Testament with the Jesus of the New Testament. We moralize the stories, skip the violent passages, and treat the text like a checklist of dos and don'ts rather than a testimony of our Savior. Today, Chad Bird (Scholar in Residence…
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1083 - CL Whiteside | The Non-Microwaved Truth: Standing on the Gospel
In a culture that demands fast, cheap, watered-down answers, our youth are facing an unprecedented identity crisis. Today, we sit down with CL Whiteside—Dean of Students at Wisconsin Lutheran High School and host of The Non-Microwaved Truth podcast. As a leading voice in urban ministry, CL...
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1082 - FOMO, Gospel Gaslighting, and Prayer as a Weapon
Host Charlie Ungemach is joined by Pastor Jeremiah Wallander and Vicar Cameron Schroeder to talk about what to do when you see your friends living a sinful lifestyle and feel like you’re missing out, how to admonish your friends out of godless living, and prayer as a useful weapon against the...
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1081 - David Kolander | Pastoral Ministry and Care
On this episode Charlie is joined by Pastor David Kolander for a detailed discussion on the structure, purpose, and challenges of pastoral ministry within the Lutheran church, emphasizing the importance of love for God's word, humility, and community support for pastors. Chapters 00:00 The Call…
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1080 - Parental Guidance, Atonement for Catholics, Faith is Everything
Host Charlie Ungemach is joined by Pastor Jeremiah Wallander of Michigan Lutheran Seminary and Vicar Cameron Schroeder of Faith Lutheran Church in Sharpsburg, GA for a conversation exploring the importance of faith, identity, and understanding parental intentions in faith-based upbringing....
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1079 - Matthew Bown | Protecting Your Eden and Radical Candor
Matthew Bown of Camp Phillip joins the show for a conversation exploring the high standards set by faith and how cultural exceptions undermine spiritual growth. Charlie and Matthew then explore the role of honesty and integrity in adhering to divine standards. Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Camp...
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1078 - Uncomfortable at Worship, Lukewarmness, and Baptismal Repentance
Charlie is joined by pastors Jacob Ungemach and Josh Schroeder for a conversation about what to do if you’re more comfortable online than at church, an Instagram video that gets us asking, “What’s the best way to address spiritual complacency in the people around us?”, and the intimate, but often...
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1077 - Deconstruction, Batman, and a Little Group of Saints
Charlie is joined by pastors Jacob Ungemach and Josh Schroeder to talk about dealing with deconstruction among your friends, a batman video that gets us debating the nuance between sanctification and justification, and Luther’s assertion that there’s a small group of “pure saints” on the earth....
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1076 - Emily Krill | Embracing Chaos: Finding Grace in Everyday Life
In this episode of the Gird Up Podcast, host Charlie Ungemach engages in a heartfelt conversation with Emily Krill, a student success specialist and founder of Messy Worship. Emily shares her journey of embracing life's chaos and finding God's grace in everyday experiences. The discussion delves...
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1075 - Jeremiah Wallander | A Post PG-13 World: Life as a Gen Z Christian
Pastor Jeremiah Wallander of Michigan Lutheran Seminary joins the show to discuss the evolving fears of teenagers from boredom in the 2000s to anxiety about global issues today, highlighting the impact of increased access to information and media on their mental health. Chapters 00:00…
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1074 - Violating Conscience, Based Boyfriends, and Small-G gods
Join Charlie Ungemach, Pastor Jacob Klug, and Vicar Ryan Halter as they explore biblical perspectives on gender roles, Christian living, and how to navigate modern societal challenges with faith. This episode offers deep insights into submission, leadership, and trusting God's design for our…
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1073 - Adam Koontz | A Primary Allegiance to Christ
Join Charlie Ungemach in a compelling conversation with Pastor Adam Koontz as they explore the cultural shifts, generational changes, and the role of the church in today's complex world. Discover insights on faith, society, and how to navigate the challenges of modern life while staying rooted in...
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Episode 1072 - Ambition, Disharmony with Existence, and Powerful Thoughts
How do we pursue excellence without making an idol of success? Pastors Jacob Klug and Ryan Halter join the show to dismantle cultural myths about wealth and masculinity. By applying the Law/Gospel distinction to our careers and bank accounts, we move past the "prosperity" trap and toward a life…
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1071 - Joshua Pauling | The Digital Age and The Christian
In this episode, Joshua Pauling explores how technology subtly erodes our humanity and faith by promoting disembodiment and identity distortion. Discover strategies rooted in Scripture to live an intentional, embodied life that resists digital overload. Perfect for pastors, parents, and anyone...
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1070 - Naomi Schmidt | Gendered Ministry: Value and Pitfalls
Naomi Schmidt shares insights on women's ministry, building relationships with pastors, and the importance of gendered ministry in the church. Discover practical ways to foster community, understand biblical perspectives, and support one another in faith. Naomi previously appeared on Gird Up to...
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1069 - St. Patrick’s Day BroCast | Irish Blessings, St. Paddy’s Legends and Traditions
Caleb, Connor, Cameron, and Charlie talk about Vicar year, then unpack the real meaning behind Irish legends, the significance of the Trinity in Irish prayer, and the humorous yet meaningful stories that make St. Patrick’s Day more than just a party. You'll discover how the ancient prayer of the...
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1068 - Rev. Dr. John Bombaro | The Sacred Intersection: Christology and the Eucharist
Have you ever wondered what truly happens during Holy Communion and why it matters so deeply? In this episode, we are joined by John Bombaro to explore the profound theological significance of the Eucharist, its roots in the ancient Catholic tradition, and how a renewed understanding can…
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1067 - Victor Vieth | Addressing Abuse in Christian Communities
In this conversation, Victor Veith, a prominent figure in child advocacy, discusses the intersection of faith and child protection. He shares his journey into child advocacy, the impact of vicarious trauma on professionals in the field, and the church's historical indifference to child abuse....
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1066 - FLAME | Exploring Faith, Art, and Cultural Engagement
In this episode, we delve into Flame’s transformative journey from Christian hip hop to confessional Lutheranism, discussing how theology intersects with cultural expression and the importance of doctrinal testing and community. Flame shares insights on race, church history, apologetics, and...
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1065 - George Hogan | Young Christians and Worship
Summary In this episode of the Gird Up Podcast, host Charlie Ungemach welcomes George Hogan, a student at Martin Luther College and an accomplished organist, to discuss the significance of liturgy and music in the Lutheran tradition. The conversation begins with George's background in theater and...
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1064 - Ben Sadler | Living Every Day in Light of the Last Day
Summary In this episode of the GirdUp Podcast, host Charlie Ungemach engages in a deep conversation with Pastor Ben Sadler about his new book, The Meaningful Life. They explore the rise of pastors writing books, the importance of finding meaning in work, and how secular wisdom can complement...
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1063 - Mark Parsons | LDS and Luther's Bondage of the Will
Summary In this episode of the Gird Up Podcast, host Charlie Ungemach engages with Pastor Mark Parsons, the Executive Director of Truth and Love Ministry, to discuss the challenges faced by young Christians today, particularly in relation to Latter-day Saints (Mormons). They explore the nature of...
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1062 - Christmas BroCast 2025
Summary In this episode of the Gird Up podcast, host Charlie Ungemach and guests engage in a lighthearted discussion about Christmas traditions, reflections on the incarnation, and the significance of community. They share personal experiences, toast to the holiday season, and play a fun game of...
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1061 - Bryan Stecker | Memento: Fasting, Fraternity, and Discipline
Summary In this episode of the Gird Up Podcast, host Charlie Ungemach speaks with Brian Stecker about his new project, Memento, which aims to recapture and revitalize Christian disciplines, particularly for men. They discuss the importance of accountability, the historical practices of the…
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1060 - Keeping Christmas Right
Summary In this episode of the Gird Up podcast, host Charlie Ungemach and his guests, Pastors Isaiah Duff, Jacob Klug, and Chester Reinemann, discuss the challenges faced by Christians during the holiday season, particularly around Christmas. They explore the pressures of maintaining a joyful...
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1059 - Jonny Lehmann | Free at Heart: a Deep-Dive into Christian Masculinity
Summary In this episode of the Gird Up podcast, host Charlie Ungemach engages with Pastor Johnny Lehmann to discuss the challenges young men face in finding their identity through a Christian lens. They explore the concept of Christian masculinity, the influence of the Manosphere, and the...
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1058 - Greg Lyon | Navigating Sexuality and Identity as Young Christians
Summary In this episode of the Gird Up podcast, host Charlie Ungemach engages in a deep conversation with Pastor Greg Lyon of Wisconsin Lutheran College about the challenges young Christians face regarding sexuality and identity. They explore the role of pastoral care, the impact of purity…
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1057 - Elise Gross | Women in the Church Around the World
Summary Elise Gross of Academia Cristo is on the podcast this week. In this conversation, Elise discusses her journey in urban education and ministry, reflecting on the limited options she perceived for women in service roles. She emphasizes the need for more diverse opportunities in ministry…
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1056 - Thanksgiving BroCast 2025
Summary In this special Thanksgiving episode of the Gird Up Podcast, the guys dive into the history, traditions, and cultural quirks of the holiday. From Goose’s passionate defense of turkey to Connor’s hilarious Thanksgiving horror stories, they explore how the celebration has evolved, why food...
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1055 - Adam Koontz | Lutheran Identity, Church History, Discipleship
Summary In this conversation, Rev. Dr. Adam Koontz shares his transformative journey into Lutheranism, detailing his initial hesitations and the profound discoveries he made during his catechesis. He reflects on the alignment between Lutheran teachings and biblical scripture, emphasizing how this...
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1054 - Matt Doebler | Missionary, Author of "More than Meh"
Summary In this episode of the Gird Up podcast, host Charlie Ungemach welcomes Pastor Matt Doebler, a missionary in Australia, to discuss the pressing issue of spiritual apathy among Christians. They explore the biblical story of Gideon as a metaphor for the journey from feeling like a 'nobody'…
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1053 - Andrew Marotta | Leadership, Culture, and Family
Summary In this episode of the Gird Up podcast, host Charlie Ungemach engages with Andrew Marotta, a veteran educator and leadership coach. They discuss the importance of maintaining a strong Christian faith in education, the journey from considering the priesthood to becoming a school leader…
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1052 - Paul Wendland | Gender, Sexuality, and Christian Identity
Summary In this episode of the Gird Up podcast, host Charlie Ungemach engages in a deep conversation with Dr. Paul Wendland, a Lutheran theologian, about the pressing issues surrounding gender and sexuality in today's culture. They explore the cultural shifts that have led to a redefinition of...
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1051 - Jacob Klug | The Value of Poetry, Hymnody of Martin Franzmann
Summary In this episode of the Gird Up Podcast, host Charlie Ungemach welcomes Pastor Jacob Klug to discuss the significance of Martin Franzmann's hymnody and the value of beautiful words in articulating Christian faith. They explore the role of art and poetry in the church, the importance of men...
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1050 - Grace Ungemach | Marketing for Christian Churches
Summary In this episode of the Gird Up podcast, host Charlie Ungemach speaks with Grace Ungemach about her journey as a pastor's wife in Cincinnati, the importance of church marketing, and the unique challenges and opportunities in urban ministry. They discuss setting boundaries in ministry life,...
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1049 - Dan van Voorhis | Host of the Christian History Almanac
In this episode of the Gird Up Podcast, host Charlie Ungemach sits down with Dan Van Voorhis — teacher, historian, and host of the Christian History Almanac. Together they explore the importance of church history, the role of the Lutheran church today, and the future of Christianity in a changing...
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1047 - Wade Johnston | Author of "Life Under the Cross: A Biography of the Reformer Matthias Flacius Illyricus
Summary In this episode of the Gird Up Podcast, host Charlie Ungemach interviews Dr. Johnston, a professor and parish pastor, discussing his journey in ministry, the balance between academic life and parish duties, and the importance of curiosity in pastoral care. They explore the challenges…
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1046 - Connor Herter | Reflections Before Vicar Year
Summary In this episode of the Grid Up Podcast, Charlie Ungemach and Connor Herter reflect on their journey towards ministry, discussing the sentimental nature of their upcoming vicar year, the challenges of imposter syndrome, and the importance of maintaining relationships while pursuing their...
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1045 - Chad Bird | Sharing Your Story, Even If It's Messy
Summary In this episode of the Gird Up podcast, host Charlie Ungemach interviews Chad Bird, who shares his profound journey of faith, including his upbringing in the church, struggles with pride and lust, and the path to redemption. Chad discusses the importance of sharing one's story, the role…
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1044 - Bill Kahle | Wrestling Coach, Budding Evangelist
Summary In this episode of the Gird Up podcast, host Charlie Ungemach interviews Bill Kahle, a passionate coach and evangelist. They discuss the importance of mentorship in coaching, the struggles with addiction, and the connection between high achievers and substance abuse. Bill shares his…
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ABOUT THIS SHOW
An unapologetically Lutheran voice for the ordinary Christian.
HOSTED BY
Gird Up! Podcast
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Frequently Asked Questions
How many episodes does Gird Up! Podcast have?
Gird Up! Podcast currently has 215 episodes available on PodParley. New episodes are automatically indexed when they're published to the podcast feed.
What is Gird Up! Podcast about?
An unapologetically Lutheran voice for the ordinary Christian.
How often does Gird Up! Podcast release new episodes?
Gird Up! Podcast publishes regularly with 215 episodes available. Check the episode list for the typical release schedule.
Where can I listen to Gird Up! Podcast?
You can listen to Gird Up! Podcast on PodParley by clicking any episode. We provide an embedded audio player for direct listening, and you can also subscribe via your preferred podcast app using the RSS feed.
Who hosts Gird Up! Podcast?
Gird Up! Podcast is created and hosted by Gird Up! Podcast.
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