PODCAST · religion
Under the Hood
by NewLife Christian Church
Under the Hood with Pastor Joe and Kirsten is a podcast about faith, family, and ministry. NewLifeNWA.com/UndertheHood
Episodes
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Ep. 123 | Marriage Missionaries: Josh & Sara Johnson
In the captivating Season 4 finale of the Under the Hood podcast, Pastor Joe & Kirsten sit down with Josh and Sara Johnson, an inspiring couple called to an unexpected ministry as marriage missionaries in Northwest Arkansas. Seventeen years into their own marriage, they reached a turning point:...
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Ep. 122 | Making Peace With It
Buckle up as Pastor Joe and Kirsten "pop the hood" on an episode packed with milestones, memories, and deep reflections. After marveling at the impressive efficiency of Bentonville High School’s recent graduation, the duo takes a hilarious trip down memory lane to revisit their own...
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Ep. 121 | He Has Good Plans
In today's episode, we’re popping the hood on life’s biggest transitions and celebrations! We kick things off by putting our very own UTH producer, Abbey, in the hot seat as Pastor Joe and Kirsten grill her on the highs and lows of her five-year anniversary with NewLife. From there, the...
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Ep. 120 | Precious Moment
We’re kicking things off with a dose of heart-warming nostalgia as Pastor Joe shares a special moment with his son, Brock—even if it does lead to one of those classic stories Kirsten has heard once or twice before! From there, Pastor Joe and Kirsten lean into the deep end, revisiting last week’s...
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Ep. 119 | Be Like Jesus
Get ready for a mix of laughs and deep reflection as Pastor Joe and Kirsten recap the Pasta & Pie Auction. Pastor Joe defends the questionable smell of his "whipped cream beard" as a small price to pay for the students, prompting a nostalgic trip down memory lane about his own Christ in Youth…
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Ep. 118 | Dirty Laundry
Pastor Joe & Kirsten are quite literally airing some "dirty laundry" from the Williams’ household this past weekend. Between a mysterious disappearance of a favorite top and a rogue tube of lipstick, things got a little grumpy behind closed doors. The tension eases as Kirsten grills Joe on that...
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Ep. 117 | First Thursday
Buckle up, because this week we’re kicking things off with a revelation no one saw coming! If the Williamses hadn’t answered the call to ministry, they wouldn’t be behind a pulpit—they’d be chasing...tornadoes?! Pastor Joe takes us back to his college days with a harrowing story involving a…
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Ep. 116 | Easter Recap
Pastor Joe & Kirsten begin with an Easter recap! Pastor Joe points out what he believes is a fundamental difference between men and women when it comes to expecting company! Next, they pivot into a powerful shift, inspired by the Holy Spirit during Easter week. Pastor Joe then reviews the 3...
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Ep. 115 | Holy Week
Pastor Joe and Kirsten are back from a "last hoorah" vacation with their graduating senior, Brock. They rehash some harrowing travel tales...if Diet Coke drama can be considered "harrowing!" The conversation then takes a global turn as the duo dives into a lively exploration of Easter traditions...
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Ep. 114 | That Was Easy
This week on Under the Hood, things get hilariously real as Pastor Joe and Kirsten dive into a marital spat sparked by Joe’s relentless optimism—and the clever gift Kirsten bought just to keep from crying. Once the dust settles, the duo pivots to the cutting room floor, sharing powerful insights…
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Ep. 113 | Pouring My Heart Out
From fast food feuds to life-altering grace, this week’s episode of Under the Hood covers the full spectrum. After a quick (we promise!) final word on the Great Chicken Biscuit Debate, Pastor Joe and Kirsten dive into the powerful conclusion of our Hope and a Future series to discuss a…
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Ep. 112 | A Big Ol' Tangent
Is there a "right" way to eat a chicken biscuit? This week, Pastor Joe and Kirsten kick things off with a high-stakes culinary debate that proves even the simplest breakfast can spark a lively disagreement. But once the crumbs settle, the conversation shifts from the drive-thru to the soul as…
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Ep. 111 | Go Partners Tommy & Shiny (Part 2)
Pull up a chair for an episode that moves from a lighthearted pizza parlor date to the front lines of global ministry. Before diving into the deep end with NewLife Go Partners Tommy and Shiny, Pastor Joe and Kirsten share an intimate Valentine’s conversation that's both relatable and hilarious.…
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Ep. 110 | Go Partners Tommy & Shiny (Part 1)
Buckle up for a journey that spans from the sunny central valley of California to the vibrant heart of India as Pastor Joe and Kirsten sit down with Go Partners Tommy and Shiny. This episode of Under the Hood kicks off with a nostalgic trip down memory lane, as all four dive into their shared...
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Ep. 109 | Step of Faith
This episode kicks off with a hilarious play-by-play of Pastor Joe’s sermon-turned-funeral for his beloved Chiefs. From the story behind Kirsten’s black veil—originally purchased for the Queen’s passing—to the literal sour grapes Pastor Joe tossed into the crowd to commemorate his Super Bowl...
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Ep. 108 | Measly Blobs of Clay
Pastor Joe kicks things off by spilling a "delicious" secret about Kirsten that’s definitely not diet-friendly, but oh-so-satisfying. Moving from the kitchen to the awards stage, the duo dives into Jelly Roll’s viral Grammy acceptance speech. While Pastor Joe offers a gentle warning about the...
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Ep. 107 | What Do We Do?
Pastor Joe & Kirsten discuss not just surviving the snowstorm but thriving, with homemade soups, warm fires, and couch cuddles. Then they move on to where the Hope and a Future series is headed this weekend. Pastor Joe is so fired up to answer three pivotal questions for the NewLife family that…
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Ep. 106 | A New Day
After an unplanned week off, Pastor Joe and Kirsten return to the mics—though they can’t quite seem to agree on why they were gone. As they settle back in, the duo prepares for an impending snowstorm and takes a moment to clear up the confusion surrounding a "big reveal." The conversation shifts...
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Ep. 105 | 2026 Here We Come
Happy 2026! Join Pastor Joe and Kirsten as they "pop the hood" on a brand-new year. From nostalgic Y2K memories and the unwelcome transition to empty-nesting to a deep reflection on the end of the 59-week His Words series, this episode is packed with heart. We’re looking back at what we’ve…
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Ep. 104 | GO Partner Pastor Elisha with Grace Ministries (Part 2)
In this powerful conclusion to their conversation with Pastor Elisha, Pastor Joe and Kirsten take us from the relatable busyness of the holidays to the front lines of faith in India. Pastor Elisha shares the origin story of Grace Ministries and the reality of facing organized persecution. With…
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Ep. 103 | GO Partner Pastor Elisha with Grace Ministries (Part 1)
Join Pastor Joe and Kirsten as they sit down with Pastor Elisha from Grace Ministries, a dedicated NewLife GO Partner! You'll be deeply moved as Pastor Elisha shares the incredible, generations-spanning story of his family's faith journey in India, where the dominant religion is Hinduism. In this...
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Ep. 102 | The Struggle is Real
Pastor Joe and Kirsten kick off the post-Thanksgiving season with a relatable, hilarious discussion about gifts. Kirsten shares that her love language is gifts, while Pastor Joe candidly confesses that gift-giving is a major "growth area" for him. From there, they pivot to some neighborhood...
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Ep. 101 | GO Partner Hannah Tynes with Overland Missions (Part 2)
Overland Missions' Hannah Tynes is back in the studio with Pastor Joe and Kirsten, and her story is more challenging than ever. Hannah shatters the myth that the younger generation is the church of "tomorrow," powerfully demonstrating that God will use anyone who is fully surrendered to build His...
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Ep. 100 | GO Partner Hannah Tynes with Overland Missions (Part 1)
Pastor Joe and Kirsten sit down with NewLife GO Partner Hannah Tynes of Overland Missions, a young woman who sacrificially laid down her life as a teenager to answer God's call in Zambia. Hannah's powerful story of witnessing Christ transform the darkest corners of the world makes Pastor Joe ask...
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Ep. 99 | GO Partner Matt Rule with Crossover Global (Part 2)
NewLife GO Partner, Matt Rule of Crossover Global, returns to the studio with Pastor Joe and Kirsten to continue sharing his powerful journey! Matt dives deeper into the practical realities and spiritual rewards of serving in the Middle East. Get ready for more inspiring, firsthand accounts of…
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Ep. 98 | GO Partner Matt Rule with Crossover Global (Part 1)
Pastor Joe & Kirsten welcome Matt Rule of Crossover Global, one of NewLife's GO Partners. Matt shares his amazing, life-changing testimony: He left the corporate banking world to trade "building his own kingdom" in Middle America for building God's Kingdom in the Middle East. Get ready for...
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Ep. 97 | Fruit of Repentance
This week, Pastor Joe and Kirsten kick things off by chatting about the gorgeous Fall weather and their hilarious, albeit annoying, bird problem. Then, the conversation shifts to this week's message on Repentance. They discuss how the critical theme of repentance seems to be fading in many of...
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Ep. 96 | A Little Long
Can you tell what's real anymore? Pastor Joe and Kirsten tackle the growing challenge of AI-generated videos and deepfakes, sharing their frustration over the spread of fake news on social media. Then, they pop the hood on last week's sermon—and Pastor Joe's surprising admission that it was "a...
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Ep. 95 | Church Bloopers
An accidental communion spill leads to a lengthy review of Pastor Joe & Kirsten's favorite church bloopers. From a problematic pizza delivery to a baptism tidal wave, this opener is good for a laugh. Next, they discuss a much more serious topic: the recent headline about Gateway Pastor, Robert...
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Ep. 94 | Two Claims
Pastor Joe pulls back the curtain on his sermon-writing process, revealing how Kirsten's feedback is key to polishing his messages. This leads to a lively discussion about asking permission before sharing personal stories from the pulpit—something Pastor Joe, as a PK (Pastor's Kid), knows is…
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Ep. 93 | Season 4 Has Begun! (Part 2)
Pastor Joe & Kirsten pick right up where they left off last week. Pastor Joe starts off by giving a sure-fire way to spot a Progressive Christian church. Then, they dive into a conversation about forgiveness. Pastor Joe reminds us that it's level ground at the foot of the cross. None of us wants…
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Ep. 92 | Season 4 Begins! (Part 1)
Pastor Joe & Kirsten are back on the mics after Summer Break! A lot has happened since we last heard from them, so buckle up! They give a family update and launch into a discussion of "Freezergate." Pastor Joe had surgery over the summer, too, and that leads to a trip down memory lane. Finally,...
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Ep. 91 | TESTIMONY - Jon & Monica Moore
Join Pastor Joe and Kirsten for a very special episode as they sit down with NewLife's Worship Pastor Jon Moore and his wife, Monica. For the past year and a half, the Moore family has walked a long and difficult journey. In this heartfelt (and sometimes hilarious!) conversation, Jon and Monica...
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Ep. 90 | That Was Weird
Pastor Joe & Kirsten discuss their childhood gaming habits. Pastor Joe reveals that after 26 years of marriage, there are still things he does not know about his wife. A listener surprised Pastor Joe with a shocking confession, leading Kirsten to discover a kindred spirit! Then, they discuss last...
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Ep. 89 | Meet the Parents
Today's episode is a family affair! Kirsten's parents, Ken & Scheri Bentsen, are in the house, and let's just say they came armed with some highly entertaining (and maybe slightly incriminating for Kirsten!) stories from her childhood. Prepare for tales that prove Kirsten has always been Kirsten!...
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Ep. 88 | Salt & Light
A mysterious stench has left the Williams' home flipped upside down, but Pastor Joe & Kirsten reveal its not-so-mysterious source in today's episode! They laugh about their polar opposite spending habits, and then launch into a Holy Land discussion. They reminisce about their June 2023 Israel…
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Ep. 87 | Prayer & Fasting
Ever wonder what keeps your pastor up at night? Pastor Joe & Kirsten discuss what's left him bleary-eyed this week! But the real debate heats up when they tackle a topic near and dear (and maybe a little pricey): cake! Pastor Joe confesses to a reaction he's not exactly proud of, which leads them...
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Ep. 86 | If I Got Jesus
Join Pastor Joe and Kirsten this week as they shine a spotlight on, as they call them, the "unsung heroes" of NewLife – the Administrative Assistants! They discuss the wonderful Easter services we had at NewLife despite the wind and rain. Then, prepare for a passionate dive into one of Pastor Joe...
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Ep. 85 | Easter Favorites
Get ready for some Easter cheer with Pastor Joe and Kirsten! They're diving into their favorite things about the holiday, from delicious candies to springtime outfits and cherished memories. Then, brace yourselves as Kirsten spills the beans on a hilarious "oopsie daisy" that snuck into last…
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Ep. 84 | This Stinks
Something smells fishy in today's opener with Pastor Joe & Kirsten, and it may not be what you think! Then, they dive deep into the challenges of distractions, the experience of being called out from the pulpit, and the nuances of legalism. Pastor Joe shares some insight on a textual variant in...
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Ep. 83 | She's Back!
Kirsten's back! Get ready for a candid catch-up on her post-surgery recovery (prepare for Pastor Joe's squirming!). Then, they reveal the "cutting room floor" moments from Pastor Joe's sermon on Matthew, including the story everyone's been asking about: the neighbor! Finally, Kirsten shares a...
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Ep. 82 | NewLife's GO Pastor, Sonny Johnson (Part 2)
Pastor Joe and NewLife's GO Pastor, Sonny Johnson, pick up his story by sharing how Pastor Sonny was called out of air traffic control and into full-time ministry. Now, instead of directing planes to runways, he's directing people to Christ. He reveals how his leadership training in the U.S. Navy...
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Ep. 81 | NewLife's GO Pastor, Sonny Johnson (Part 1)
Pastor Joe sits down with NewLife's GO Pastor, Sonny Johnson, to discuss the transformative power of faith in his life. From a self-proclaimed atheist to a fully devoted follower of Christ, Pastor Sonny's story is a testament to God's ability to reach even the most unlikely individuals in the…
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Ep. 80 | Divine Appointments
Pastor Joe & Kirsten jump right into a wonderfully weird pancake debate and the rabbit trail ensues! Then, shifting gears, they delve into Pastor Joe's sermon from Luke 5. It's a familiar passage, one he's preached on multiple times, yet the message hits him with fresh power each time. The Word…
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Ep. 79 | TESTIMONY - Robert & Jennifer Banes (Part 2)
Pastor Joe & Kirsten welcome the month of March with some nostalgia! Then, they jump into Part 2 of Robert & Jennifer Banes' testimony. Just when they thought their race was over, it was really just beginning. Jesus is radically transforming them into a new creation, and their transparency and...
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Ep. 78 | TESTIMONY - Robert & Jennifer Banes (Part 1)
Pastor Joe & Kirsten explain the big gap in the recording schedule for the Under the Hood podcast. It wasn't intentional, we promise! Next, they introduce a special couple in our NewLife family, Robert & Jennifer Banes. The Banes share a powerful testimony of the radical transformation God is...
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Ep. 77 | Way More
Pastor Joe & Kirsten are ecstatic that the Chiefs are headed to the Super Bowl AGAIN! They're looking forward to all their fun traditions in Kansas City and Super Bowl weekend at NewLife! Then they jump into a discussion about the latest His Words sermon. Pastor Joe points out how Jesus' first...
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Ep. 76 | Ringing in 2025
Pastor Joe & Kirsten are back on the mics after a month-long hiatus and a lot has happened! There have been some highs and lows for the Williams family. Joe shares, as he calls it, a "massive cat update!" Then, they discuss the benefits of studying the life of Christ chronologically in the…
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Ep. 75 | Williams Bros Takeover HOLIDAY EDITION
They're baaaaaaaack! The Williams boys are back in the studio, and it's a lively one on the Under the Hood podcast! Pastor Joe & Kirsten enlist the boys to give a family update. Brock has been busy with orchestra and finals, and Neil is a "Plebe No More" at the Naval Academy. Pastor Joe and…
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Ep. 74 | Blessings
Pastor Joe & Kirsten have a bunch of updates for the Under the Hood audience! Thanksgiving, Neil, cats, football, sourdough, and blessings to name a few. Several fun stories pop up and a chance run-in with Kansas City Chiefs Safety, Justin Reid, leads to an interesting investigation of what true...
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ABOUT THIS SHOW
Under the Hood with Pastor Joe and Kirsten is a podcast about faith, family, and ministry. NewLifeNWA.com/UndertheHood
HOSTED BY
NewLife Christian Church
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Frequently Asked Questions
How many episodes does Under the Hood have?
Under the Hood currently has 123 episodes available on PodParley. New episodes are automatically indexed when they're published to the podcast feed.
What is Under the Hood about?
Under the Hood with Pastor Joe and Kirsten is a podcast about faith, family, and ministry. NewLifeNWA.com/UndertheHood
How often does Under the Hood release new episodes?
Under the Hood publishes regularly with 123 episodes available. Check the episode list for the typical release schedule.
Where can I listen to Under the Hood?
You can listen to Under the Hood 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 Under the Hood?
Under the Hood is created and hosted by NewLife Christian Church.
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