Viral Jesus: Recent Episodes

Christianity Today

Viral Jesus is a podcast from Christianity Today about digital communication and the power of social connections. Join author and communication scholar Heather Thompson Day as she dives deep with ministry leaders, content creators, and social media influencers to find out how they're starting important conversations, building community, and sharing their faith in digital spaces.

Welcome back Viral Jesus family! Many of you asked over the summer if you could have more mental health episodes so we wasted no time in giving you exactly what you wanted. Episode 1 of season 4 is here with an incredibly thoughtful and wise conversation with TikTok's favorite trauma therapist, Kobe Campbell. Trigger warning Heather and Kobe do discuss mental health and trauma, and there is a point where Kobe discusses suicide. Heather also asks Kobe what her thoughts are on the dangers of TikTok therapy, and whether or not she thinks social media has created an oversimplification of therapy terminology that has been harmful to our generation. You will find this conversation incredibly insightful and we hope it also leaves you feeling hopeful about any trauma you’ve endured. In today’s episode Heather introduces a new segment called Safe Space. This is where she sits down with her best friend and co-blogger Scarlett Longstreet to discuss social media and popular culture. Heather and Scarlett are totally different. They don’t share the same religion or background, but as BFFs they’ve done a good job of creating a safe space for both meaningful and casual conversation. Guest Bio Kobe Campbell is an award-winning licensed trauma therapist, bestselling author and transformative leader. She uses TikTok to create posts (that often go viral) about teaching people real-life applications for her clinical study. Her latest book is called Why Am I Like This? How to Break Cycles, Heal from Trauma and Restore Your Faith. Additional Links You can sign up for Heather’s encouraging email that goes out every Friday night at 7pm EST at www.heatherthompsonday.com/links Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

This is our last episode of season 3, and we are pulling out all the stops. If you are a parent trying to figure out how to raise your kids in the age of social media and nonstop technology access, this episode is a great place to start. Heather sits down with the award-winning author Mandy Majors to discuss three practical ideas for how to navigate the toils and snares of this digital age. Today’s episode concludes our “3 Things That Could Change Your Life” series. If you’re jumping into our “3 Things” pod-class series for the first time with this episode, we encourage you to also catch part 1 with pastor and author Mark Batterson and part 2 with humorist and speaking coach Mary R. Snyder. In today’s episode Heather also chats with our favorite social media expert, Brady Shearer. Heather and Brady discuss why Facebook Reels may be the best-kept secret for reaching your audience and community.

Guest Bio Mandy Majors is the author of the award-winning book, TALK, and Keeping Kids Safe in a Digital World. She is the co-host of the podcast nextTalk. She is also a speaker and the founder of nextTalk, a nonprofit organization passionate about creating a culture of honest conversation in homes, churches, and schools to keep kids safe in a digital world. Additional Links You can sign up for Heather’s encouraging weekly email that goes out every Friday night at 7pm ET at www.heatherthompsonday.com/links. And remember to mark your calendar for season 4 of Viral Jesus, coming your way August 24.

Host Bio Heather Thompson Day is an associate professor of communication at Andrews University in Berrien Springs, Michigan. She is the author of eight books, including I’ll See You Tomorrow and It’s Not Your Turn. Reach out to Heather on Twitter @HeatherTDay and on Instagram @heatherthompsonday. Viral Jesus is a production of Christianity Today Host and creator: Heather Thompson Day Executive Producer: Ed Gilbreath Producer: Loren Joseph Associate Producer: Azurae Phelps Mix Engineer: Alex Carter Director of CT Podcasts: Mike Cosper Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Two communication questions Heather gets without fail every season are: How can I become a better public speaker? and How do I break into the Christian speaking circuit? If one or both of these questions have ever crossed your mind, then this episode is for you. Today Heather sits down with speaking coach Mary R. Snyder to discuss everything about public speaking—from working a stage, to finding your passion, to negotiating your pay. As a Christian entrepreneur, Mary also challenges her students to grow in their relationship with Christ even as they hone their public-speaking craft. This episode is part two of our season-ending series, “Three Things That Could Change Your Life.” Last week pastor and best-selling author Mark Batterson gave us three words that have the power to transform our friends, enemies, and everyone in between. And today Mary Snyder shares her three tips for raising our public-speaking game. Heather also chats with our favorite social media expert, Brady Shearer, about the concept of feast or famine on social media. Brady’s tips will help you add more tools to your Social Toolkit.

Guest Bio For over two decades, MaryR. Snyder has been paving the way in Christian event production. A speaker and coach herself, Mary is dedicated to helping others become successful public speakers through her podcast, Take the Stage, and course, Activate Your Speaking Career. Hear stories of influence from some of today’s most talented voices while learning how you too can turn your passion into a career with help from the expert. Visit www.maryrsnyder.com for more information. Host Bio Heather Thompson Day is an associate professor of communication at Andrews University in Berrien Springs, Michigan. She is the author of eight books, including I’ll See You Tomorrow and It’s Not Your Turn. Reach out to Heather on Twitter @HeatherTDay and on Instagram @heatherthompsonday. Viral Jesus is a production of Christianity Today Host and creator: Heather Thompson Day Executive Producer: Ed Gilbreath Producer: Loren Joseph Associate Producer: Azurae Phelps Mix Engineer: Alex Carter Director of CT Podcasts: Mike Cosper Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Today we launch our final pod-class series of the season: “Three Things That Could Change Your Life.” In this three-part series, we speak with three Christian thought leaders about their three areas of expertise and ask them to share simple strategies that everyday people can implement in their daily lives. We are thrilled to open this series with Pastor Mark Batterson, the bestselling author of The Circle Maker. Mark tells Heather why three simple words—Please, Sorry, and Thanks—have the power to change the lives of those who love you, those who hate you, and everyone in between. Heather also chats with our favorite social media expert, Brady Shearer. Heather and Brady discuss why you should be making your online videos shorter. Brady’s tips will add more tools to your Social Toolkit. Guest Bio Mark Batterson is the lead pastor of National Community Church in Washington, D.C. Mark holds a doctor of ministry degree from Regent University and is the New York Times bestselling author of 23 books, including Please, Sorry, Thanks: The Three Words That Change Everything and Win the Day: 7 Daily Habits to Help You Stress Less & Accomplish More, as well as several books for children, including The Best Worst Day Ever, written with his daughter Summer Batterson Dailey. Mark and his wife, Lora, live on Capitol Hill and have three children. Find him on social media @MarkBatterson. Host Bio Heather Thompson Day is an associate professor of communication at Andrews University in Berrien Springs, Michigan. She is the author of eight books, including I’ll See You Tomorrow and It’s Not Your Turn. Reach out to Heather on Twitter @HeatherTDay and on Instagram @heatherthompsonday. Viral Jesus is a production of Christianity Today Host and creator: Heather Thompson Day Executive Producer: Ed Gilbreath Producer: Loren Joseph Associate Producer: Azurae Phelps Mix Engineer: Alex Carter Director of CT Podcasts: Mike Cosper Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

This week, Heather sits down with social media influencer and Bible teacher Anh Lin to talk about all things YouTube and content creation. You’ll hear from one of the most dynamic content creators in the online lifestyle space about how she built her platform, what she discovered about handling burnout, and how being vulnerable about her failures helped save a life. Also, learn how Anh, a self-proclaimed “recovering perfectionist,” deals with self-doubt and feeling like her content will never be good enough.In this episode, we also visit with TikTok whiz Garrison Hayes for this week’s #Blessed. Heather and Garrison talk about the creator fund on TikTok and the possibility of using the wildly successful video platform to stream podcasts. Make sure to let us know your thoughts by typing in ViralJesusPod on Instagram or Twitter and using #Blessed.Guest BioAnh Lin is the founder of the faith and lifestyle blog Girl and the Word, and she’s the creator of a video devotional series called The Abundant Life, where you can watch over 30 videos with inspiring thoughts that encompass DIY projects, cooking, home decor, gardening, and more. Anh has amassed a massive YouTube following of nearly a half-million people with her unique style and approach.Host BioHeather Thompson Day is an associate professor of communication at Andrews University in Berrien Springs, Michigan. She is the author of eight books, including, I’ll See You Tomorrow and It’s Not Your Turn. Reach out to Heather on Twitter @HeatherTDay and on Instagram @heatherthompsonday.Viral Jesus is a production of Christianity TodayHost and creator: Heather Thompson DayExecutive Producer: Ed GilbreathProducer: Loren JosephAssociate Producer: Azurae PhelpsMix Engineer: Alex CarterDirector of CT Podcasts: Mike CosperLearn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

This week, we review and reflect on what we learned in our “pod-class” series on gaining self-confidence. Heather shares feedback from her listeners and reminds us that God often moves in our lives gradually—little by little—one small shift after another. If you’re new to our pod-classes, you may want to pause this episode and start with Heather's preface to the series, “On Gaining Self-Confidence,” where she sets the framework for this three-week journey of faith. Then check out our first conversation of the pod-class with Amanda Pittman titled “Stand in Confidence” followed by Heather’s chat with Jordan Lee Dooley on “Embracing Your Almosts.” And last week we heard from former Mrs. Universe Tori Hope Petersen on “Fostering Hope.” Now you’re up to date. In this episode, we also visit with theologian Jared Stacy for this week’s #Blessed. Heather and Jared talk about how to engage in conversations around politics at the Thanksgiving table. Check it out and let us know your thoughts by typing in ViralJesusPod on Instagram or Twitter and using #Blessed. Guest Bio Jared Stacy is a PhD candidate in Theological Ethics at the University of Abderdeen, where he is studying conspiracy theories and the American church. He’s served across the American south, and currently lives in Scotland with his wife Stevie and their three kids. Host Bio Heather Thompson Day is an associate professor of communication at Andrews University in Berrien Springs, Michigan. She is the author of eight books, including, I’ll See You Tomorrow and It’s Not Your Turn. Reach out to Heather on Twitter @HeatherTDay and on Instagram @heatherthompsonday.

Viral Jesus is a production of Christianity Today Host and creator: Heather Thompson Day Executive Producer: Ed Gilbreath Producer: Loren Joseph Associate Producer: Azurae Phelps Mix Engineer: Alex Carter Director of CT Podcasts: Mike Cosper Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Welcome to part three of our three-part “pod-class” series on gaining self-confidence. Heather visits with author Tori Hope Petersen to discuss Tori’s incredibly inspiring story of growing up in foster care, becoming a 4x track state champion, and eventually becoming Mrs. Universe. By the end of their lively and thoughtful chat, you'll understand a truth that drives Tori's ministry: “Healed people heal people.” In other words, we must use what God has given us to help others. If you’re new to our pod-classes, you may want to pause this episode and start with Heather's preface to the series, “On Gaining Self-Confidence,” where she sets the framework for this three-week journey of faith. Then check out our first conversation of the pod-class with Amanda Pittman titled “Stand in Confidence.” And last week Heather sat down with Jordan Lee Dooley with an episode titled “Embracing Your Almosts.” Now you’re ready. In this episode, we also visit with Kyle J Britt. for this week’s #Blessed. Heather and Kyle talk about what happens with Twitter now that Elon Musk has taken over and whether or not we should all remain users. Make sure to let us know your thoughts by typing in ViralJesusPod on Instagram or Twitter and using #Blessed. Guest Bio Tori Hope Petersen’s experience in foster care as a former foster youth, foster care advocate, & foster mom fuels her life’s passion to advocate for those who society would consider the “least of these.” Her heart is burdened for the foster care community, foster youth, vulnerable youth, & suffering families. She and her husband Jacob founded Beloved Initiative in 2020, a nonprofit that seeks to change the narrative for youth in foster care. Her recently released book is Fostered: One Woman’s Powerful Story of Finding Faith and Family Through Foster Care. Host Bio Heather Thompson Day is an associate professor of communication at Andrews University in Berrien Springs, Michigan. She is the author of eight books, including I’ll See You Tomorrow and It’s Not Your Turn. Reach out to Heather on Twitter @HeatherTDay and on Instagram @heatherthompsonday. Viral Jesus is a production of Christianity Today Host and creator: Heather Thompson Day Executive Producer: Ed Gilbreath Producer: Loren Joseph Associate Producer: Azurae Phelps Mix Engineer: Alex Carter Director of CT Podcasts: Mike Cosper Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Welcome to part two of our three-part pod-class series on gaining self-confidence. Heather sits down with author Jordan Lee Dooley to discuss what you should do when “almost” disrupts the life you thought God was calling you to. “Your greatest disappointment can be one of two things,” writes Jordan, “dead ends or defining moments.” If you’re new to our “pod-class,” you may want to pause this episode and start with Heather’s preface to the series, “On Gaining Self-Confidence,” where she sets the framework for this three-week journey of faith. And then check out last week’s episode with Amanda Pittman titled “Stand in Confidence.” Now you’re ready. In this episode, we also visit with cyberparenting expert Mandy Majors for this week’s #Blessed. Heather and Mandy talk about the new social media app BeReal and whether or not it’s an online community worth joining. Make sure to let us know your thoughts by typing in ViralJesusPod on Instagram or Twitter and using #Blessed. Guest Bio JordanLee Dooley is the national bestselling author of Embrace Your Almost and Own Your Everyday and is the host of the top-rated podcast SHE. She is also the founder of the Own It Academy, a digital education company, and SoulScripts, a words company known for its phrase “Your Brokenness Is Welcome Here.” She has been featured in outlets such as Hallmark’s Home and Family, Forbes, Relevant Magazine, Thrive Global, That Sounds Fun with Annie Downs, Christy Wright’s Business Boutique, and more. Jordan has built a massive social media community of over 850,000 members. Host Bio Heather Thompson Day is an associate professor of communication at Andrews University in Berrien Springs, Michigan. She is the author of eight books, including, I’ll See You Tomorrow and It’s Not Your Turn. Reach out to Heather on Twitter @HeatherTDay and on Instagram @heatherthompsonday.

Viral Jesus is a production of Christianity Today Host and creator: Heather Thompson Day Executive Producer: Ed Gilbreath Producer: Loren Joseph Associate Producer: Azurae Phelps Mix Engineer: Alex Carter Director of CT Podcasts: Mike Cosper Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

This week, Heather is joined by her BFF Scarlett Longstreet for a #Blessed chat session on whether we should unfollow people who make us feel bad about ourselves online. Make sure to let us know your thoughts by typing in ViralJesusPod on Instagram or Twitter and using #blessed. Today is session one of our new pod-class series on gaining confidence. We will be doing this pod-class for the next three week. If you want to pause this episode, you may want to start with last week’s titled: “On Gaining Self-Confidence,” where Heather sets the framework for the next three weeks. In today’s conversation Heather sits down with Amanda Pittman to learn how to deal with criticism, how to offer compassion to others struggling with insecurity, and how to stand in our own confidence. Guest Bio Amanda Pittman is the author of Stand in Confidence: From Sinking in Insecurity to Rising in Your God-given Identity. She is a speaker, entrepreneur, and the founder of Confident Woman Co., a ministry that equips women to stand confidently upon the finished work of Jesus. Through Confident Woman Co., Amanda hosts retreats, conferences, online events, podcasts, videos and more. Host Bio Heather Thompson Day is an associate professor of communication at Andrews University in Berrien Springs, Michigan. She is the author of eight books, including, I’ll See You Tomorrow and It’s Not Your Turn. Reach out to Heather on Twitter @HeatherTDay and on Instagram @heatherthompsonday. Viral Jesus is a production of Christianity Today Host and creator: Heather Thompson Day Executive Producer: Ed Gilbreath Producer: Loren Joseph Associate Producer: Azurae Phelps Mix Engineer: Alex Carter Director of CT Podcasts: Mike Cosper Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Kicking off this week’s episode, Heather sits down with Scarlett Longstreet to talk about whether or not we should be using filters on our photos. Are they hurting us? Are they making us insecure? Make sure to let us know your thoughts by typing in ViralJesusPod on Instagram or Twitter and using #Blessed. Today is the pre-game show for our new pod-class series on “Gaining Self-Confidence.” Heather sits down to have a heart to heart with you, the listener, about the reality of life right now. It feels like everyone is waiting for a miracle, and it can be difficult to believe that there is a plan, when you can’t see it. How can we drink from the well of living water even when it feels like we are in a desert? Heather says you have to dig. Host Bio Heather Thompson Day is an associate professor of communication at Andrews University in Berrien Springs, Michigan. She is the author of eight books, including, I’ll See You Tomorrow, releasing in October, and It’s Not Your Turn. Reach out to Heather on Twitter @HeatherTDay and on Instagram @heatherthompsonday.

Viral Jesus is a production of Christianity Today Host and creator: Heather Thompson Day Executive Producer: Ed Gilbreath Producer: Loren Joseph Associate Producer: Azurae Phelps Mix Engineer: Alex Carter Director of CT Podcasts: Mike Cosper Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

This week’s episode begins with a consideration of a constant danger of online life—oversharing. Heather is joined by her husband, Seth Day (also known on Instagram as @originalsadking), for a lively #Blessed discussion of the subject. Are we saying too much on social media? What are some guidelines for making sure we don’t overshare? Does knowing so much about one another online help us connect in person more easily? Be sure to let us know your thoughts by typing in ViralJesusPod on Instagram or Twitter and using #Blessed. Then get ready for Heather’s recap of Viral Jesus’s first pod-class journey (and don’t forget to listen to previous episodes in the series, starting with “Everyone’s Exhausted”). Heather sits down to have a heart-to-heart with you, the listener, about what we have learned over the past six weeks. She explains the definition of healing, that it isn’t a linear process, and describes what our faith looks like, especially when we can’t feel it. You will not want to miss this candid conversation with Heather. Host Bio Heather Thompson Day is an associate professor of communication at Andrews University in Berrien Springs, Michigan. She is the author of eight books, including, I’ll See You Tomorrow, releasing in October, and It’s Not Your Turn. Reach out to Heather on Twitter @HeatherTDay and on Instagram @heatherthompsonday. Viral Jesus is a production of Christianity Today Host and creator: Heather Thompson Day Executive Producer: Ed Gilbreath Producer: Loren Joseph Associate Producer: Azurae Phelps Mix Engineer: Alex Carter Director of CT Podcasts: Mike Cosper Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Kicking off this week's episode, on #blessed Heather sits down with Vimbo Watson and talks about online dating. Is this a wonderful blessing to our romantic lives or an absolute mess. Make sure to let us know your thoughts by typing in ViralJesusPod on Instagram or Twitter and using #blessed. As our pod-class journey on healing concludes, (don’t forget to listen to previous episodes in the series) Heather sits down with her co-author, husband, and best friend, Seth Day to discuss their new book, I’ll See You Tomorrow. What if it isn’t that our relationships are draining, as much as it is that we are entering relationships drained. How do we heal, from our unmet relational expectations? This episode is packed full of wisdom, and perspective. Guest Bio Seth Day is currently a full-time instructor teaching courses in Grief and Loss as well as Public Speaking. Seth has a MA in Human Service Counseling from Regent University, and is currently pursuing a second MA in Educational Psychology from Andrews University. Seth is passionate about youth and young adult ministry, having served as a youth and young adult pastor in Denver, and working for several years in public schools with at-risk youth. Seth resides in Saint Joseph, Michigan with his wife Heather, and their three beautiful children. Host Bio Heather Thompson Day is an associate professor of communication at Andrews University in Berrien Springs, Michigan. She is the author of eight books, including, I'll See You Tomorrow, releasing in October, and It’s Not Your Turn. Reach out to Heather on Twitter @HeatherTDay and on Instagram @heatherthompsonday. Viral Jesus is a production of Christianity Today Host and creator: Heather Thompson Day Executive Producer: Ed Gilbreath Producer: Loren Joseph Associate Producer: Azurae Phelps Mix Engineer: Alex Carter Director of CT Podcasts: Mike Cosper Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Kicking off this week's episode, on #blessed Heather sits down Seth Day and talks about whether Christians should use anger as an online tool for engagement. Anger is one of the fastest emotions to go viral online, so when it is appropriate, and when is it pandering for reactions? Make sure to let us know your thoughts by typing in ViralJesusPod on Instagram or Twitter and using #blessed. As our pod-class journey on healing continues, (don’t forget to listen to previous episodes in the series) Heather sits down with author and trauma care specialist Sheila Wise Rowe. Sheila helps us understand what trauma is, what gaslighting is, and how we can recognize it, as well as some ways we can get unstuck. Guest Bio Sheila Wise Rowe has a Master's degree in Counseling and is active in local and international healing and reconciliation ministry. Sheila has over twenty-five years of experience as a Christian Counselor, Spiritual Director, Educator, Writer, and Speaker. Sheila is the author of Healing from Racial Trauma, and Young Gifted and Black. Host Bio Heather Thompson Day is an associate professor of communication at Andrews University in Berrien Springs, Michigan. She is the author of eight books, including, I'll See You Tomorrow, releasing in October, and It’s Not Your Turn. Reach out to Heather on Twitter @HeatherTDay and on Instagram @heatherthompsonday. Viral Jesus is a production of Christianity Today Host and creator: Heather Thompson Day Executive Producer: Ed Gilbreath Producer: Loren Joseph Associate Producer: Azurae Phelps Mix Engineer: Alex Carter Director of CT Podcasts: Mike Cosper Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Kicking off this week's episode, on #blessed Heather sits down with Sharon Hodde Miller and talks about online church. Is online church a blessing that is making us more connected as a body of believers? Or is it a mess that is disconnecting us? Make sure to let us know your thoughts by typing in ViralJesusPod on Instagram or Twitter and using #blessed. As our pod-class journey on healing continues, (don’t forget to listen to previous episodes in the series) Heather sits down with Sharon Hodde Miller to discuss a concept Sharon calls “the cost of control". How is our need to control our lives, preventing us from living them? Guest Bio Sharon leads Bright City Church in Durham, NC with her husband, Ike, which they planted together in 2018. Sharon earned her M.Div. from Duke Divinity School, and her PhD from Trinity Evangelical Divinity School, where she researched the topic of women and calling. In addition to writing for sites like Christianity Today, She Reads Truth, Propel, Relevant, and more, she is the author of three books: Free of Me: Why Life Is Better When It’s Not about You, Nice: Why We Love to Be Liked And How God Calls Us to More, and The Cost of Control: Why We Crave It, the Anxiety it Gives Us, and the Real Power God Promises. Host Bio Heather Thompson Day is an associate professor of communication at Andrews University in Berrien Springs, Michigan. She is the author of eight books, including, I'll See You Tomorrow, releasing in October, and It’s Not Your Turn. Reach out to Heather on Twitter @HeatherTDay and on Instagram @heatherthompsonday. Viral Jesus is a production of Christianity Today Host and creator: Heather Thompson Day Executive Producer: Ed Gilbreath Producer: Loren Joseph Associate Producer: Azurae Phelps Mix Engineer: Alex Carter Director of CT Podcasts: Mike Cosper Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Kicking off this week's episode, on #Blessed Heather brings in her best friend Scarlett Longstreet to discuss the new option on instagram of paying for subscription. Scarlett has been using the new paid subscribers model, and will walk you through the difficulties and blessings of getting your audience to pay for your content. Make sure to let us know your thoughts by typing in ViralJesusPod on Instagram or Twitter and using #Blessed. As our pod-class journey on healing continues, (don’t forget to listen to previous episodes in the series) Heather sits down with Nona Jones and discusses where our insecurity is coming from, and how it may be impacting us, and our relationships. Guest Bio Nona Jones is considered a global thought-leader at the intersection of faith, technology and identity and has also served as a voice of hope and healing to victims of trauma due to her own history as a survivor of physical and sexual abuse. Her books are equipping people around the world to harness their potential toward realizing their purpose. Killing Comparison is Nona's highly anticipated manual for how to live a life free from toxic comparison and feeling like you don't measure up. Success from the Inside Out is Nona's personal story of overcoming childhood physical and sexual abuse and the insights she learned while healing from the pain. From Social Media to Social Ministry is the Digital Discipleship Guide every Christian needs to read to use technology for Kingdom Building. Host Bio Heather Thompson Day is an associate professor of communication at Andrews University in Berrien Springs, Michigan. She is the author of eight books, including, I'll See You Tomorrow, releasing in October, and It’s Not Your Turn. Reach out to Heather on Twitter @HeatherTDay and on Instagram @heatherthompsonday. Viral Jesus is a production of Christianity Today Host and creator: Heather Thompson Day Executive Producer: Ed Gilbreath Producer: Loren Joseph Associate Producer: Azurae Phelps Mix Engineer: Alex Carter Director of CT Podcasts: Mike Cosper Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Kicking off this week’s episode, Heather is joined by her husband, Seth, for another round of #Blessed.This time the pair explore the idea of buying social media followers. Is it ever a good thing? Is it even ethical? Have you ever thought about buying followers? Make sure to let us know your thoughts on the topic by typing in ViralJesusPod on Instagram or Twitter and using #blessed. As our pod-class journey on healing continues, (don’t forget to listen to pod-class one with Katelyn Beaty last week) Heather sits down with author Chanel Dokun to learn how we can stop waiting for the lives we wish we had, and start living the life we have right now. Chanel’s expertise as a life coach and marriage and family therapist uniquely qualifies her to help us get a grasp on what we truly want out of life, and the energy to start going after it. Guest Bio Chanel is an author, life planner, and relationship expert trained in marriage and family therapy. She is the co-founder of Healthy Minds NYC, a thriving group therapy practice in Manhattan. Her new book is Life Starts Now: How to Create the Life You’ve Been Waiting For.

Host Bio Heather Thompson Day is an associate professor of communication at Andrews University in Berrien Springs, Michigan. She is the author of eight books, including, I'll See You Tomorrow, releasing in October, and It’s Not Your Turn. Reach out to Heather on Twitter @HeatherTDay and on Instagram @heatherthompsonday. Viral Jesus is a production of Christianity Today Host and creator: Heather Thompson Day Executive Producer: Ed Gilbreath Producer: Loren Joseph Associate Producer: Azurae Phelps Mix Engineer: Alex Carter Director of CT Podcasts: Mike Cosper Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

In the second episode of Viral Jesus season 3, Heather discusses on #blessed the latest news out of The Village Church about Matt Chandler stepping down for a leave of absence due to an inappropriate relationship with a woman who wasn’t his wife in his DM’s on Instagram. Heather and Seth discuss the concept of what is appropriate and inappropriate behavior for married people in the DM’s. If you have thoughts on this please @viralJesusPod on Instagram or Twitter and let us know. In her conversation with author Katelyn Beaty, Heather listens to Katelyn explain the problems that arise when celebrity pastors experience some type of major failure. How do we help hold them accountable? How do we help people who feel their trust has been deeply abused by the covering up of abuse at their church institution? What does celebrity look like, and how does it function in churches? Should there be a thing such as Christian celebrities? Heather and Katelyn want you to heal from toxic celebrity church culture, and maybe the best way to do that, is to admit what has gone wrong. Guest Bio Katelyn Beaty is a journalist, editor, and keen observer of trends in the American church. She has written for the New York Times, the New Yorker, the Washington Post, Religion News Service, Religion & Politics, and The Atlantic and has commented on faith and culture for CNN, ABC, and NPR. She is also a former editor for Christianity Today magazine. She is cohost of the Saved by the City podcast (Religion News Service) and she’s the author of Celebrities for Jesus: How Personas, Platforms, and Profits Are Hurting the Church Mentioned in This Episode Matt Chandler Steps Aside After Inappropriate Online Relationship Host Bio Heather Thompson Day is an associate professor of communication at Andrews University in Berrien Springs, Michigan. She is the author of eight books, including, I'll See You Tomorrow, releasing in October, and It’s Not Your Turn. Reach out to Heather on Twitter @HeatherTDay and on Instagram @heatherthompsonday. Viral Jesus is a production of Christianity Today Host and creator: Heather Thompson Day Executive Producer: Ed Gilbreath Producer: Loren Joseph Associate Producer: Azurae Phelps Mix Engineer: Alex Carter Director of CT Podcasts: Mike Cosper Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

It’s a brand-new season of Viral Jesus, and change is in the air. In this first episode of Season 3, Heather is joined by a surprise guest to help her introduce a new segment called #Blessed. It’s a fun and breezy look at headlines and ideas from the world of tech and social media. Heather also previews a new Viral Jesus formation project called “pod-classes” that will connect and build upon Heather’s weekly conversations with Christian creators, influencers, and thought leaders. For the inaugural, six-part series of pod-classes, the theme is “healing.” And Heather invites us to join her on a journey toward renewal. Together we will take the pulse of our relationship with social media, interrogate our tendency for constant comparison, and learn how to make time to lift our sights away from the screen and “look a little higher.” Mentioned in This Episode Is It Even Possible to Be an Authentic Person Online? Don’t Check Work Email on Vacation: Why Constant Connection Is Driving Burnout Exhausted Nation: Americans More Tired Than Ever Survey Finds Anxiety Grows Among Americans as Crisis After Crisis Spirals Out Of Control Stress in America: APA Survey Nearly Half of Americans Think They Are A Better Person Than Everyone They Know Host Bio Heather Thompson Day is an associate professor of communication at Andrews University in Berrien Springs, Michigan. She is the author of eight books, including, I'll See You Tomorrow, releasing in October, and It’s Not Your Turn. Reach out to Heather on Twitter @HeatherTDay and on Instagram @heatherthompsonday. Viral Jesus is a production of Christianity Today Host and creator: Heather Thompson Day Executive Producer: Ed Gilbreath Producer: Loren Joseph Associate Producer: Azurae Phelps Mix Engineer: Alex Carter Director of CT Podcasts: Mike Cosper Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

In the last episode of season 2, Heather says goodbye (for now) to listeners, and lets you in on a little secret about what is coming up for season 3. In this conversation, Heather and author Christina Edmondson discuss Christina’s work in anti-racism and diversity and inclusion. Christina brings up the value of affinity spaces, in allowing us to not feel “othered.” Christina also discusses how social media is helping and hurting us in our cultural competence. Christina’s unique skill set in therapy as well as cross-cultural conversation, allows her to be uniquely skilled in how she discusses conversations around conflict resolution and confronting division. Guest Bio Christina Edmondson holds a PhD in Counseling Psychology from Tennessee State University, an MS degree from the University of Rochester in Family Therapy, and a Bachelor’s degree in Sociology from Hampton University.For over a decade, Christina has served in a variety of roles including recently as the Dean for Intercultural Student Development at Calvin University. Additionally, as a Certified Cultural Intelligence facilitator, public speaker, and mental health therapist, Christina is often contacted by churches to consult about leadership development, anti-racism, and mental health issues. She is the coauthor of Faithful Antiracism: Moving Past Talk to Systemic Change and Truth’s Table: Black Women’s Musings on Life, Love, and Liberation. Her writing has appeared in a variety of outlets, including Christianity Today, Essence.com, and Gospel Today magazine. She also co-hosts the critically acclaimed Truth’s Table podcast. Mentioned in This Episode Truth’s Table: Black Women’s Musings on Life, Love, and Liberation Faithful Antiracism: Moving Past Talk to Systemic Change Truth’s Table podcast

Host Bio Heather Thompson Day is an associate professor of communication at Andrews University in Berrien Springs, Michigan. She is the author of eight books, including, I'll See You Tomorrow, releasing in October, and It’s Not Your Turn. Reach out to Heather on Twitter @HeatherTDay and on Instagram @heatherthompsonday.

Viral Jesus is a production of Christianity Today Host and creator: Heather Thompson Day Producer: Loren Joseph Executive Producer: Ed Gilbreath Director of CT Podcasts: Mike Cosper Associate Producer of CT Podcasts: Azurae Phelps Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

In this episode, Heather sits down with singer/songwriter Maryanne J. George of Maverick City Music to discuss what it’s like to work in the music industry. Maverick City has had an impressive rise to fame in the last couple years with the award-winning album Old Church Basement (their live collaboration with Elevation Worship) and performances at the 2022 Grammys and the BET Music Awards. Maryanne explains why faith has so deeply impacted her music, what her songwriting process looks like, and why she doesn’t believe in a “Christian vs. secular” dichotomy in music. Guest Bio Maryanne J. George is a dynamic worship leader, songwriter, and musician with Maverick City Music and is passionate about encountering the Lord through worship. Mentioned in This Episode The Bible Project, Scripture and Poetry Tamela Mann, Take Me to the King Host Bio Heather Thompson Day is an associate professor of communication at Andrews University in Berrien Springs, Michigan. She is the author of eight books, including, I'll See You Tomorrow, releasing in October, and It’s Not Your Turn. Reach out to Heather on Twitter @HeatherTDay and on Instagram @heatherthompsonday. Viral Jesus is a production of Christianity Today Host and creator: Heather Thompson Day Producer: Loren Joseph Executive Producer: Ed Gilbreath Director of CT Podcasts: Mike Cosper Associate Producer of CT Podcasts: Azurae Phelps Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

In this episode Heather and Barna’s Joe Jensen discuss the idea that whether we like it or not, screens disciple. The latest research shows that people are hungry for community. People no longer just want content, they are craving connection. Heather and Joe look at the importance of churches starting with social media, but not ending with social media. We can’t be content to just watch pictures of other people’s worship. How do we inspire, but also then disciple, people into their own personal spiritual experiences? Joe shares his heart for pastors and churches and why he thinks Jesus can’t be viral, until Jesus becomes vital to our personhood. Guest Bio Joe Jensen is Barna’s Vice President, Church Engagement, Joe Jensen is passionate about turning research into action. He is using his 20+ years of church ministry and executive leadership experience to engage and serve the global church and her partners with the insight and knowledge of the Barna Group Mentioned in This Episode The Gazette: Pastor Burnout: Who Helps the Helpers? Host Bio Heather Thompson Day is an associate professor of communication at Andrews University in Berrien Springs, Michigan. She is the author of eight books, including, I'll See You Tomorrow, releasing in October, and It’s Not Your Turn. Reach out to Heather on Twitter @HeatherTDay and on Instagram @heatherthompsonday. Viral Jesus is a production of Christianity Today Host and creator: Heather Thompson Day Producer: Loren Joseph Executive Producer: Ed Gilbreath Director of CT Podcasts: Mike Cosper Associate Producer of CT Podcasts: Azurae Phelps Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

In this episode Heather and York discuss his own testimony as well as his incredible story of his own conversion into Christianity. York grew up an atheist and remained so into adulthood, but he had an incredible experience of being called by God, and then surrendering his life to not just faith, but also evangelism while in College. York shares with us what he believes the next generation is looking for, how we can be more effective in reaching them, as well as what the voice of God sounds like.

Guest Bio York Moore is the National Evangelist for InterVarsity Christian Fellowship USA. He has a massive TIK TOK presence with over 200k followers. He is the author of Growing Your Faith by Giving it Away and Do Something Beautiful: The Story of Everything and a Guide to Finding Your Place In It. He also recently co-authored Seen Known Love with Gary Chapman. Moore is a frequently sought-after speaker and modern-day abolitionist who has given the invitation for faith at the last two Urbana Missions Conferences and has led over 10,000 students to faith in Christ through his teaching and preaching ministry coast to coast.

Mentioned in This Episode When Americans Say They Believe in God, What Do They Mean? by Pew Research Center Host Bio Heather Thompson Day is an associate professor of communication at Andrews University in Berrien Springs, Michigan. She is the author of seven books, including It’s Not Your Turn. Reach out to Heather on Twitter @HeatherTDay and on Instagram @heatherthompsonday. Viral Jesus is a production of Christianity Today Host and creator: Heather Thompson Day Producer: Loren Joseph Executive Producer: Ed Gilbreath Director of CT Podcasts: Mike Cosper Associate Producer of CT Podcasts: Azurae Phelps Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

In this episode Heather and DeVon talk about his experience being raised one of three sons with a “village” of women supporting him after his father’s untimely death. DeVon also shares what he believes are some of the fair criticisms of Christianity, while encouraging people to follow after the model set before them in the life of Jesus Christ. DeVon celebrates women as a crucial part of his own family, he says they were a pivotal piece in the success of his career, and he believes they hold a distinguished role in the celebration of the gospel. Guest Bio DeVon Franklin serves as President and CEO of Franklin Entertainment, a dynamic production company in conjunction with Paramount Pictures and CBS TV Studios. His films have grossed over 175 million at the box office. He’s the driving force behind some of Hollywood’s most successful inspirational films including BREAKTHROUGH, fantastic film with Chrissy Metz from This is Us, and MIRACLES FROM HEAVEN. He is the author of It Takes A Woman and in this riveting and soul-stirring Audible Original, author and Hollywood insider DeVon Franklin introduces us to the women who raised him—a “village of love” that selflessly came together to shape him into the man he is today in the wake of his father’s tragic death. With this heartfelt memoir, Franklin inspires listeners to celebrate the universal power of women and embrace his village as their own. Mentioned in This Episode U.S. has world’s highest rate of children living in single-parent households by Pew Research Host Bio Heather Thompson Day is an associate professor of communication at Andrews University in Berrien Springs, Michigan. She is the author of seven books, including It’s Not Your Turn. Reach out to Heather on Twitter @HeatherTDay and on Instagram @heatherthompsonday. Viral Jesus is a production of Christianity Today Host and creator: Heather Thompson Day Producer: Loren Joseph Executive Producer: Ed Gilbreath Director of CT Podcasts: Mike Cosper Associate Producer of CT Podcasts: Azurae Phelps Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

In this episode Heather and Karen continue their most downloaded conversation from last season. They discuss what it means to be called, as well as the difficult conversation of platforming as it relates to a person’s art. Is a following proof of your call? Are we somehow more talented when other people notice our gifts? Are the millions of lives who have not known notoriety somehow less valuable? Karen doesn’t think so. And this conversation will tell you why. Guest Bio Karen Swallow Prior is a Research Professor of English and Christianity and Culture at Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary. She is the author of On Reading Well: Finding the Good Life through Great Books and has contributed to numerous other books. Her writing has appeared at Christianity Today, The Atlantic and The Washington Post. Mentioned in This Episode More than half of Americans think their life is worthy of a book deal by Chris Melore Episode 6: The Work Is the Platform by Viral Jesus Season 2 Host Bio Heather Thompson Day is an associate professor of communication at Andrews University in Berrien Springs, Michigan. She is the author of seven books, including It’s Not Your Turn. Reach out to Heather on Twitter @HeatherTDay and on Instagram @heatherthompsonday. Viral Jesus is a production of Christianity Today Host and creator: Heather Thompson Day Producer: Loren Joseph Executive Producer: Ed Gilbreath Director of CT Podcasts: Mike Cosper Associate Producer of CT Podcasts: Azurae Phelps Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

In this episode Heather and Khristi talk about how social media has removed the gatekeepers of the publishing industry. They discuss what it is like trying to break into the Christian market as Black women, as well as the importance of being thoughtful and intentional about what you post online. Khristi explores why she thinks her award winning book, Parable of the Brown Girl was so unique, as well as her hopes for other women who are trying to find their voice, and share their experiences with others. If no one else is telling you they believe in you, this episode will invite you to believe in yourself. Guest Bio Khristi Lauren Adams is a speaker, author, youth advocate and ordained Baptist minister. Khristi is the author of Parable of the Brown Girl. Parable of the Brown Girl has received awards for Best Young Adult Book from The African American Literary Awards and the New York Black Librarians Caucus. She is also the author of, Unbossed: How Black Girls Are Leading the Way. She works as Dean of Spiritual Life & Equity at the Hill School. She is the Founder & Director of “The Becoming Conference”, an annual conference and leadership cohort designed to empower, educate & inspire girls between the ages of 13-18. Khristi is a graduate of Temple University with a degree in Advertising and a graduate of Princeton Theological Seminary where she obtained a Master of Divinity degree. Mentioned in This Episode Powerful People Find Themselves More Inspirational by Kristene Quan Host Bio Heather Thompson Day is an associate professor of communication at Andrews University in Berrien Springs, Michigan. She is the author of seven books, including It’s Not Your Turn. Reach out to Heather on Twitter @HeatherTDay and on Instagram @heatherthompsonday. Viral Jesus is a production of Christianity Today Host and creator: Heather Thompson Day Producer: Loren Joseph Executive Producer: Ed Gilbreath Director of CT Podcasts: Mike Cosper Associate Producer of CT Podcasts: Azurae Phelps Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

In this episode Heather and Brandon talk about how we often read our own cultural values, perspectives and assumptions, into the Biblical text, and forget that Scripture is actually a cross-cultural experience. This episode will help each of us be better readers and perceivers of the Bible. Guest Bio Brandon J. O'Brien has a PhD from Trinity Evangelical Divinity School. He is the co-author of Misreading Scripture with Western Eyes, and is Director of Content Development and Distribution for Redeemer City to City, an organization that supports church planting in global cities. Brandon is author of several books, the most recent of which is Not From Around Here: What Unites Us, What Divides Us, and How We Can Move Forward Mentioned in This Episode Misreading Scripture with Western Eyes by Brandon J. O'Brien, E. Randolph Richards Paul Behaving Badly by Brandon J. O'Brien, E. Randolph Richards The Bible Through Middle Eastern Eyes by Kenneth E. Bailey The Forgotten Jesus by Robby Gallaty Host Bio Heather Thompson Day is an associate professor of communication at Andrews University in Berrien Springs, Michigan. She is the author of seven books, including It’s Not Your Turn and Confessions of a Christian Wife. Reach out to Heather on Twitter @HeatherTDay and on Instagram @heatherthompsonday. Viral Jesus is a production of Christianity Today Host and creator: Heather Thompson Day Producer: Loren Joseph Executive Producer: Ed Gilbreath Director of CT Podcasts: Mike Cosper Associate Producer of CT Podcasts: Azurae Phelps Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Description/ Show Notes: In this episode Heather and Katie talk about the difficulty of life transitions. If you are feeling overwhelmed with the reality of adulthood, while still kind of feeling like a kid, is it possible that it is because you are in the midst of your gap decade? The gap decade is that sometimes difficult transitional season young adults face in their twenties and early thirties, and it is in this space that our brains are overloaded with self-discovery, and transition. If this feels like chaos, it’s because it kind of is. If you or someone you care about is stumbling while navigating the pressures of their professional life and relational challenges, this episode will be a breath of fresh air. Guest Bio Katie Schnack is a writer and book publicist. Her articles have appeared in places like Hello Giggles, Relevant, Today.com and Scary Mommy. She is also the author of The Gap Decade, a book for young adults navigating that tough transitional season between young adulthood and adulthood. Mentioned in This Episode Forbes article titled: How to Handle Lifequakes and Life Disrupters by Richard Eisenberg Host Bio Heather Thompson Day is an associate professor of communication at Andrews University in Berrien Springs, Michigan. She is the author of seven books, including It’s Not Your Turn and Confessions of a Christian Wife. Reach out to Heather on Twitter @HeatherTDay and on Instagram @heatherthompsonday. Viral Jesus is a production of Christianity Today Host and creator: Heather Thompson Day Producer: Loren Joseph Executive Producer: Ed Gilbreath Director of CT Podcasts: Mike Cosper Associate Producer of CT Podcasts: Azurae Phelps Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

In this episode Heather and Ashley look at what it means to live a spacious life. In a time where our success often feels measured by our productivity, what benefit could there possibly be to slowing down? How can we cultivate better rhythms of rest, and how much are we missing by not being present with ourselves and each other? Ashley Hales will talk to you about what may be disrupting your healthy rhythms, and why Sabbath is so important for Christians to take seriously. Guest Bio Ashley Hales holds a PhD in English from the University of Edenborough, Scotland. She’s a writer, speaker, and host of The Finding Holy Podcast. Her writing has been featured in places like Christianity Today, Books & Culture, and The Gospel Coalition. She is the author of Finding Holy in the Suburbs: Living Faithfully in the Land of Too Much (IVP) and her latest book; A Spacious Life: Trading Hustle and Hurry for the Goodness of Limits.

Mentioned in This Episode Princeton Study on seminarians and the Good Samaritan

Host Bio Heather Thompson Day is an associate professor of communication at Andrews University in Berrien Springs, Michigan. She is the author of seven books, including It’s Not Your Turn and Confessions of a Christian Wife. Reach out to Heather on Twitter @HeatherTDay and on Instagram @heatherthompsonday. Viral Jesus is a production of Christianity Today Host and creator: Heather Thompson Day Producer: Loren Joseph Executive Producer: Ed Gilbreath Director of CT Podcasts: Mike Cosper Associate Producer of CT Podcasts: Azurae Phelps Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

In this episode, Heather is joined by Ekemini Uwan and Michelle Higgins of the Truth's Table podcast to discuss what it's like to be a Black Christian woman today. They dive all the way in on topics like colorism, singleness and divorce, racial justice, theology, and nearly every hot button issue Black women may find themselves at the intersection of when navigating their life and their faith. Ekemini and Michelle will help you see how faith can truly be the bedrock of your life, all while being honest about the difficulties each of them have experienced. This conversation will have you laughing, crying, and thinking critically. Guest Bio Ekemini Uwan, and Michelle Higgins, are two of the authors of Truth’s Table: Black Women’s Musings on Life, Love and Liberation. Ekemini is a public theologian who received her MDiv from Westminster Theological Seminary. Uwan is a contributing member of the Aspen Institute’s Racial Justice and Religion Commission. She has appeared on MSNBC and NPR. Her writings have been published in The Atlantic, The Washington Post, and HuffPost Black Voices, and her insights have been quoted by CNN, The New York Times, The Washington Post, and The New Yorker. Michelle Higgins is senior pastor of Saint John’s Church (The Beloved Community) in St. Louis, where she co-founded Faith for Justice, a collective of Christian activists, and serves as board chair of Action St. Louis, a political home for Black communities in the St. Louis region. Mentioned in This Episode “The Hidden Figures of the Church” by Kathryn Freeman, Christianity Today

Host Bio Heather Thompson Day is an associate professor of communication at Andrews University in Berrien Springs, Michigan. She is the author of seven books, including It’s Not Your Turn and Confessions of a Christian Wife. Reach out to Heather on Twitter @HeatherTDay and on Instagram @heatherthompsonday.

Viral Jesus is a production of Christianity Today Host and creator: Heather Thompson Day Producer: Loren Joseph Executive Producer: Ed Gilbreath Director of CT Podcasts: Mike Cosper Associate Producer of CT Podcasts: Azurae Phelps Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

In this episode, Heather and Danté discuss something we often forget, that just as we have changed, we need to make room for others to grow and change too. Danté is open about the progression of his beliefs, and how he, as a Black man, has said things in the past about the Black experience that he regrets. Black literature was a major part of Danté’s faith and growth experience, which is why his book is so heavily sourced by Black writers. Danté brings a passion to every conversation he enters, as well as an invitation to grow and learn together. You will be encouraged, enlightened, and challenged as you listen to Danté explain what it means to shout in the fire. Guest Bio Danté Stewart is a writer and speaker whose voice has been featured on CNN, The Washington Post, Christianity Today, Sojourners, The Witness: A Black Christian Collective, Comment Magazine, and more. He is the author of the book Shoutin’ in the Fire: An American Epistle.

Host Bio Heather Thompson Day is an associate professor of communication at Andrews University in Berrien Springs, Michigan. She is the author of seven books, including It’s Not Your Turn and Confessions of a Christian Wife. Reach out to Heather on Twitter @HeatherTDay and on Instagram @heatherthompsonday.

Viral Jesus is a production of Christianity Today Host and creator: Heather Thompson Day Producer: Loren Joseph Executive Producer: Ed Gilbreath Director of CT Podcasts: Mike Cosper Associate Producer of CT Podcasts: Azurae Phelps

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What does it mean to be a radiant witness for Christ? In this episode, Heather talks to Tara Beth Leach about the difficulties of being a woman in ministry as well as the struggles of being a faithful Christian in increasingly divided times. Tara has endured attacks on her witness both online and offline but has continued to pour her heart into the work to which God has called her. Despite the battered reputation of the North American church, Tara is optimistic about the church’s future. She is honest, reflective, and blunt about the present state of evangelicalism, while affirming the abiding hope that Christians have in Christ.

About Our Guest: Tara Beth Leach is a pastor, preacher, and writer. She speaks widely at conferences, retreats, and universities across America on church leadership, women in ministry, and the call to be a “radiant witness.” She is a pastor at Christ Church of Oak Brook in the western suburbs of Chicago and previously served as senior pastor of First Church of the Nazarene of Pasadena (“PazNaz”) in Southern California. She is the author of Emboldened: A Vision for Empowering Women in Ministry, and her latest book is Radiant Church: Restoring the Credibility of our Witness. Find her on Twitter @TaraBeth82.

Mentioned in this Episode: “Americans No Longer Trust the Church, the Government or Even Big Money. Is There a New Power Rising?” by Heather Thompson Day, Newsweek.com Reach out to Heather at heatherthompsonday.com, on Twitter @HeatherTDay, and on Instagram @heatherthompsonday. Viral Jesus is a production of Christianity Today Host and creator: Heather Thompson Day Producer: Loren Joseph Executive Producer: Ed Gilbreath Director of CT Podcasts: Mike Cosper Associate Producer of CT Podcasts: Azurae Phelps Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

What happens when Christians are committed to Christianity without being deeply formed by God? That's one of many subjects explored in Heather’s wide-ranging conversation with New York-based pastor and author Rich Villodas. They also discuss the dangers of Christian celebrity-ism and the importance of living a life marked by humility, accountability, and surrender. Plus, Rich reveals how he grew his social media presence, and why he is more careful with his posts now than when he first got online. This thought-provoking conversation will challenge and inspire you to be more intentional about your daily spiritual practices. Rich Villodas is the Brooklyn-born lead pastor of New Life Fellowship, a large multiracial church in Elmhurst, Queens, with more than seventy-five countries represented in its congregation. Rich holds an MDiv from Alliance Theological Seminary. He enjoys reading widely, preaching, and writing on contemplative spirituality and justice-related topics. He and his wife Rosie have two beautiful children. His first book, The Deeply Formed Life, was a Christianity Today 2021 Book Awards winner. And his next book, Good and Beautiful and Kind: Becoming Whole in a Fractured World, releases in July. Reach out to Heather at heatherthompsonday.com, on Twitter @HeatherTDay, and on Instagram @heatherthompsonday. Viral Jesus is a production of Christianity Today Host and creator: Heather Thompson Day Producer: Loren Joseph Executive Producer: Ed Gilbreath Director of CT Podcasts: Mike Cosper Associate Producer of CT Podcasts: Azurae Phelps Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

In this episode, Heather talks with bestselling author Tish Harrison Warren about prayer and what it means to communicate with God during our seasons of suffering. Tish explains how sometimes your prayer life doesn’t need more words, but more silence. Tish’s honest insights will encourage you on how to navigate the vulnerability of the human experience, and how to keep praying even when God feels far away. Tish Harrison Warren is a priest in the Anglican Church in North America. She is the author of Liturgy of the Ordinary: Sacred Practices in Everyday Life (Christianity Today’s 2018 Book of the Year) and Prayer in the Night: For Those Who Work, or Watch, or Weep (Christianity Today’s 2022 Book of the Year). She writes a weekly newsletter for The New York Times, and she is a monthly columnist for CT.

Reach out to Heather at heatherthompsonday.com, on Twitter @HeatherTDay, and on Instagram @heatherthompsonday. Viral Jesus is a production of Christianity Today Host and creator: Heather Thompson Day Producer: Loren Joseph Executive Producer: Ed Gilbreath Director of CT Podcasts: Mike Cosper Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

“We love talking to leaders who are using social media for the common good,” says Heather, “but that doesn’t mean social media doesn’t have a dark side.” In this episode, Heather invites you to learn about some of the existential dangers of social media from a leading scholar of digital technology. How do we use social media without allowing ourselves to be consumed by it? How does it impact our ability to be present with the people around us? Felicia Wu Song is the perfect person to guide us around the pitfalls and red flags, while also encouraging us to hang onto our humanity in this digital age. Felicia Wu Song is a cultural sociologist of media and digital technologies who serves as a professor of sociology at Westmont College in Santa Barbara. With degrees in history, communication, and sociology from Yale, Northwestern, and the University of Virginia, her research is oriented around the rapidly evolving world of digital technology and how the adoption of social media and digital devices fundamentally alters the landscapes of family, community, and organizational life. She is the author of Restless Devices: Recovering Personhood, Presence, and Place in the Digital Age. Reach out to Heather at heatherthompsonday.com, on Twitter @HeatherTDay, and on Instagram @heatherthompsonday. Viral Jesus is a production of Christianity Today Host and creator: Heather Thompson Day Producer: Loren Joseph Executive Producer: Ed Gilbreath Director of CT Podcasts: Mike Cosper Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Justin Giboney is an attorney and political strategist in Atlanta, Georgia, who leads the AND Campaign as its cofounder and president. The AND Campaign is a coalition of urban Christians who are determined to address the sociopolitical arena with the compassion and conviction of the gospel. He’s the coauthor of Compassion (&) Conviction with fellow AND Campaign leader Chris Butler and former colleague Michael Wear. In this episode, Heather and Justin unpack the myth that Christians must be conservative to be biblical or progressive to be loving. Justin’s work is committed to challenging the way Christians view politics. What if our current political lenses aren’t biblical lenses? Justin wants to help Christians do the difficult work of holistically interrogating their political beliefs. Says Heather, “This episode will leave you encouraged about how we can be both engaged citizens and faithful disciples.” Find Justin on Twitter @JustinEGiboney. Reach out to Heather at heatherthompsonday.com, on Twitter @HeatherTDay, and on Instagram @heatherthompsonday. Viral Jesus is a production of Christianity Today Host and creator: Heather Thompson Day Producer: Loren Joseph Executive Producer: Ed Gilbreath Director of CT Podcasts: Mike Cosper Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

How did a Baptist pastor’s kid from a small town in East Texas become a trailblazer in the areas of peacemaking and international religious freedom? Bob Roberts Jr.’s faith journey has had many twists and turns, but ultimately it has been—to echo Eugene Peterson—“a long obedience in the same direction.” Things got real for Roberts when he realized his understanding of the gospel was too small and that his theological fidelity was useless if he wasn’t loving people. Today, Roberts is the founder of GlocalNet, a nonprofit dedicated to mobilizing the church for transformation in the public square, and he’s co-founder of Multi-Faith Neighbors Network, an organization committed to creating international religious freedom through intentional cross-cultural relationships. He is frequently called upon by the U.S. Department of State, United Nations, U.S. Islamic World Forum, World Economic Forum, ambassadors, diplomats, and others for his groundbreaking work in this field. Roberts is also a church-planting expert, the senior global pastor at Northwood Church in suburban Dallas-Fort Worth, and host of the Bold Love podcast. In this episode Heather and Dr. Bob discuss what religious freedom is supposed to look like and why religious freedom for others is religious freedom for yourself. They also explore how our fears often prevent us from being loving neighbors, and why interfaith communication is essentially quite biblical. Says Heather, “Dr. Bob brought so much heart and wisdom to this conversation that you’re going to want to listen to it more than once.” Reach out to Heather at heatherthompsonday.com, on Twitter @HeatherTDay, and on Instagram @heatherthompsonday. Viral Jesus is a production of Christianity Today Host and creator: Heather Thompson Day Producer: Loren Joseph Executive Producer: Ed Gilbreath Director of CT Podcasts: Mike Cosper Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Some people say you shouldn’t talk politics and religion in polite conversation, but author Kaitlyn Schiess would (politely) beg to differ. In fact, she’s written a book about the connections between faith and politics. Kaitlyn is a writer and a popular Christian voice on Twitter. A ThD student at Duke Divinity School (where she’s studying political theology, ethics, and biblical interpretation), she previously earned a ThM in systematic theology from Dallas Theological Seminary. Kaitlyn’s book, The Liturgy of Politics: Spiritual Formation for the Sake of Our Neighbor, was released by InterVarsity Press during the last presidential election year. In this episode, Heather and Kaitlyn discuss what it means to deconstruct false gospels, the difference between politics and partisanship, and the importance of using discernment in selecting the news sources we consume. Social media can be a really great place to build relationships with others, and Kaitlyn has done this so well, even while discussing difficult topics like theology and politics. She is a great resource for all of us on how we can do this better. Reach out to Heather at heatherthompsonday.com, on Twitter @HeatherTDay, and on Instagram @heatherthompsonday. Viral Jesus is a production of Christianity Today Host and creator: Heather Thompson Day Producer: Loren Joseph Executive Producer: Ed Gilbreath Director of CT Podcasts: Mike Cosper Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Historian Jemar Tisby is The New York Times bestselling author of The Color of Compromise and founder of The Witness: A Black Christian Collective, where he writes about race, religion, politics, and culture. He is also cohost of the Pass the Mic podcast. Jemar’s most recent books are How to Fight Racism and How To Fight Racism: Young Reader’s Edition. In this episode, Heather and Jemar discuss the complexity of racism within Christianity. Jemar shares ways that we can be better communicators regarding issues of racial justice. And Heather offers practical ideas for seeing and valuing the global Christian community.

Reach out to Heather at heatherthompsonday.com, on Twitter @HeatherTDay, and on Instagram @heatherthompsonday. Viral Jesus is a production of Christianity Today Host and creator: Heather Thompson Day Producer: Loren Joseph Executive Producer: Ed Gilbreath Director of CT Podcasts: Mike Cosper Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Sadie Robertson Huff is a Christian speaker, actress, and bestselling author. You may know her from the reality show Duck Dynasty, or her role in the movie God’s Not Dead, or the fact that she was the first runner-up on season 19 of Dancing with the Stars. Sadie is passionate about God and an effective communicator who regularly challenges her generation to wield their influence responsibly. Her latest book is Who Are You Following?: Pursuing Jesus in a Social Media Obsessed World. In this episode, Heather and Sadie delve into Sadie’s experience of amassing a following of over 4.7 million people on Instagram. Does a platform that large change the type of content you create? Do the people we follow online affect how we see ourselves? Can people without platforms still be influencers? Heather and Sadie answer each of these questions—and more. With millions of followers and a book about navigating the spiritual pitfalls of social media, Sadie Robertson Huff is the perfect guest for Viral Jesus.

Reach out to Heather at heatherthompsonday.com, on Twitter @HeatherTDay, and on Instagram @heatherthompsonday. Viral Jesus is a production of Christianity Today Host and creator: Heather Thompson Day Producer: Loren Joseph Executive Producer: Ed Gilbreath Director of CT Podcasts: Mike Cosper Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

In this episode, Heather talks to Canadian Christian writer Sarah Bessey about public platforms, human connections, and embodying the fruit of the Spirit. As the author of such bestselling books as Jesus Feminist and A Rhythm of Prayer, Sarah had built a vibrant community of over 88,000 people on Twitter. But last year she was forced to start over from scratch when her account was unexpectedly deleted. Today she has less than half her previous followers, but she’s steadily rebuilding. Most importantly, she’s learned that, even though they may have disappeared from her profile page, her community never left. Sarah’s journey reminds us that social media is always, first and foremost, a social network. You can’t build followers without building relationships. Sarah’s social media setback will help you get back to the basics of what really matters: our connection to each other. Reach out to Heather at heatherthompsonday.com, on Twitter @HeatherTDay, and on Instagram @heatherthompsonday. Viral Jesus is a production of Christianity Today Host and creator: Heather Thompson Day Producer: Loren Joseph Executive Producer: Ed Gilbreath Director of CT Podcasts: Mike Cosper Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

When she’s not teaching communication and social media in the classroom, author and Andrews University professor Heather Thompson Day is back in your podcast feed with all-new episodes of Viral Jesus. Join Heather as she delves deep with Christian influencers and creators who are using their social media platforms to build community and share the gospel. You’ll hear their stories and learn their strategies for faithfully navigating digital spaces. This season’s guests include thought leaders such as Tish Harrison Warren, Justin Giboney, Felicia Wu Song, and Rich Villodas, as well as artists and pop-culture personalities like Maryanne George and Sadie Robertson Huff. New episodes start on February 1. Share the Season 2 trailer, and subscribe to Viral Jesus today wherever you get your podcasts. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Season's greetings! This is Heather Thompson Day, creator and host of the Viral Jesus podcast from Christianity Today. I hope you enjoyed listening to Viral Jesus' inaugural season as much as our team enjoyed doing it. What a blast it was to talk to some of today's most profound and prolific Christian communicators about how they engage with social media. Whether it's Erin Moon reflecting on the beauty of her Instagram friendships, Kevin Wilson sharing his secrets for TikTok evangelism, or Ed Stetzer dishing practical tips on content creation, Viral Jesus is a-one-of-a-kind podcast where we go deep with Christian influencers and ministry leaders to learn how they're using their social media platforms to build community and share the gospel. We're currently in between seasons, but I can't wait to see you in early 2022 with all-new episodes. In the meantime, would you help us make Season 2 of Viral Jesus even better by taking a brief listener survey? Just go to MoreCT.com/vj-survey and answer our questions about who you are and what you like most about Viral Jesus. It shouldn't take more than five minutes. And as a thank-you, everyone who completes the survey by December 31, 2021, will be given the opportunity to enter our prize drawing for the chance to win one of two $25 Amazon gift cards. We realize this request is coming to you at one of the busiest times of the year, so thanks in advance for your attention. In a way, this is a perfect time for us to reach out to you. We are eagerly waiting for our next season to come. Advent is a time of waiting too, but it's also a time of preparation—of preparing our hearts to receive the ultimate gift of God's Son. May you experience the hope and joy of this in-between season of waiting and preparation. Thank you for supporting Viral Jesus. We look forward to learning more about you through the survey. And be on the lookout for Season 2, coming in early 2022.

Reach out to Heather at heatherthompsonday.com, on Twitter @HeatherTDay, and on Instagram @heatherthompsonday. Viral Jesus is a production of Christianity Today Host and creator: Heather Thompson Day Producer: Loren Joseph Executive Producer: Ed Gilbreath Director of CT Podcasts: Mike Cosper Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

This bonus edition of Viral Jesus features our host, Heather Thompson Day. Dr. Heather Thompson Day is an interdenominational speaker and has been a contributor for Religion News Service, Christianity Today, Newsweek and the Barna Group. She is also the author of It’s Not Your Turn: What to Do While You’re Waiting for Your Breakthrough. Heather is an associate professor of communication at Andrews University. She is passionate about supporting women, and runs an online community called I’m That Wife, which has over 200,000 followers. Heather’s voice has been featured by outlets such as The Today Show and the National Communication Association. She has been interviewed by BBC Radio Live and featured in Forbes. In this episode, CT associate editor Kara Bettis turns the tables on Heather and serves as our special guest host. (Find Kara on Twitter @karabettis.) In a candid and inspiring conversation, Heather and Kara discuss Heather’s own social media strategy, including how she grew her Twitter followers to over 50,000 people in just a few years. They also discuss themes from It’s Not Your Turn, and what every content creator should know about waiting well. Find Kara on Twitter @karabettis. Reach out to Heather at heatherthompsonday.com, on Twitter @HeatherTDay, and on Instagram @heatherthompsonday. Viral Jesus is a production of Christianity Today Host and creator: Heather Thompson Day Producer: Loren Joseph Executive Producer: Ed Gilbreath Director of CT Podcasts: Mike Cosper Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

This bonus episode of Viral Jesus features Esau McCaulley, author of the bestselling book Reading While Black. Esau is a prolific writer, theologian, and assistant professor of New Testament at Wheaton College in Illinois. Heather and Esau discuss Black interpretation of Scripture, social media popularity, and the importance of bringing personal integrity to your creative process. (This chat is a continuation of Esau’s earlier conversation with Heather from Episode One.) You can find Esau active on Twitter @esaumccaulley. Reach out to Heather at heatherthompsonday.com, on Twitter @HeatherTDay, and on Instagram @heatherthompsonday. Viral Jesus is a production of Christianity Today Host and creator: Heather Thompson Day Producer: Loren Joseph Executive Producer: Ed Gilbreath Director of CT Podcasts: Mike Cosper Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

This week Heather visits with her friend Ed Stetzer for a no-holds-barred conversation on the evangelical community’s often fractious online engagement with politics and culture. Ed is a professor and dean at Wheaton College, where he also serves as executive director of the Wheaton College Billy Graham Center. He has planted, revitalized, and pastored churches; trained pastors and church planters on six continents; and has written hundreds of articles and a dozen books on faith, leadership, and culture. He is regional director for Lausanne North America, editor-in-chief of Outreach Magazine, and is frequently interviewed by news outlets such as USA Today and CNN. He is also the founding editor of The Gospel Project, a curriculum used by more than 1.7 million individuals each week for Bible study. Heather and Ed discuss themes from his most recent book, Christians in the Age of Outrage: How to Bring Our Best When the World Is at Its Worst. How can we be faithful ambassadors of Jesus in a caustic, divisive, and frequently irrational social media environment? Listen in to this stimulating discussion for helpful reflections on the church’s opportunity for outreach in this “age of outrage.” You can follow Ed on Twitter @edstetzer. Also, in this week’s #GrowingViral, meet Quantrilla Ard, host of the blog The PhD Mamma. As a faith-based personal and spiritual-development writer, “Quanny” is on a quest to shine a light on the shadowy, hidden places in her own life while helping others do the same. Dr. Ard has a multidisciplinary background in public health and health psychology, professions that speak to her desire to address both the physical and spiritual needs of hurting people. Reach out to Heather at heatherthompsonday.com, on Twitter @HeatherTDay, and on Instagram @heatherthompsonday. Viral Jesus is a production of Christianity Today Host and creator: Heather Thompson Day Producer: Loren Joseph Executive Producer: Ed Gilbreath Director of CT Podcasts: Mike Cosper Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

This week, Heather is joined by Erin Hicks Moon. Erin is the resident Bible scholar on The Bible Binge podcast, host of the Faith Adjacent podcast, and senior creative at the Popcast Media Group. Erin discusses her amazing journey in building authentic connections with thousands of women on Instagram using her honest humor and wisdom. She spills her trade secrets on growing an Instagram community and offers tips on how to not just use Instagram as a tool for yourself but to empower those around you to feel seen, heard, and known. You can find Erin on Instagram @erinhmoon. Also, in this week’s #GrowingViral segment, you’ll meet Benjamin Lundquist, host of the Rise and Lead podcast, where he shares rich practical insights and guest content to help listeners learn what makes great leaders great. Find Benjamin on Twitter @Benjaminlund and Instagram @benjaminlundquist. Reach out to Heather at heatherthompsonday.com, on Twitter @HeatherTDay, and on Instagram @heatherthompsonday. Viral Jesus is a production of Christianity Today Host and creator: Heather Thompson Day Producer: Loren Joseph Executive Producer: Ed Gilbreath Director of CT Podcasts: Mike Cosper Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

This week, Heather visits with Kevin Spencer Wilson, known online to his throng of followers as “Cross Culture Christian.” Kevin was born in Sri Lanka and moved to the Sultanate of Oman when he was 12. Over the past 30 years, he has learned to speak three and a half languages and has traveled to 13 countries. He is currently a youth pastor in Oceanside, California, where he says he attempts to help his tribe think meaningfully about their lives so they can live their lives meaningfully. Heather and Kevin discuss his explosive growth on TikTok (more than 200,000 followers in less than two years). This conversation will help you understand what it means to be a Christian content creator as well as how to bring yourself authentically to your content. Kevin has been exceptionally successful at thinking about what makes you who you are and trying to build bridges through celebrating what brings us together rather than what separates us. Kevin is practicing digital evangelism in a way he never thought possible—by conversationally sharing spiritual concepts with his audience as he makes a cup of chai tea, a symbol of hospitality deeply connected to his life in Sri Lanka. Find Kevin on TikTok @crossculturechristian. Also, in this week’s #GrowingViral segment, we highlight the Pocket Pulpit podcast. Hosted by Sarah Kinzer and Hector Martinez, Pocket Pulpit explores questions surrounding social media ministry. What is it, and how do you do it effectively? If you love Viral Jesus, you will love Pocket Pulpit, too. Find Sarah and Hector on Twitter @kinzer_sarah and @seatexhex. Reach out to Heather at heatherthompsonday.com, on Twitter @HeatherTDay, and on Instagram @heatherthompsonday. Viral Jesus is a production of Christianity Today Host and creator: Heather Thompson Day Producer: Loren Joseph Executive Producer: Ed Gilbreath Director of CT Podcasts: Mike Cosper Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Taylor S. Schumann says she’s always been a writer, but on a spring day in 2013 she became an activist, too. It was an otherwise ordinary afternoon at New River Community College in Christiansburg, Virginia, when a gunman’s bullet tore through her left hand, and she became a victim of yet another mass shooting in America. In the split-second moment of the shooting, and the long work of healing and trauma recovery that followed, her beliefs about gun reform, “thoughts and prayers,” and the role of the church in our nation’s relentless trend of gun violence were irreversibly altered. In this episode, Heather and Taylor discuss life in the aftermath of gun violence. Through her story, Taylor invites us to meet the suffering around us with our whole-hearted attention. May we all resist the impulse to look away from an uncomfortable subject and instead listen intently to Taylor’s bold message. Find her at taylorschumann.com and on Twitter @taylorsschumann. Also, in our #GrowingViral segment, meet Clifford Stumme, also known as “the Pop Song Professor.” Clifford loves poetry and has decided to engage with culture by analyzing songs that top the charts and looking for their deeper meaning. Find Clifford on Twitter @CliffordStumme. He’s also the host of the podcast Obsessed. Reach out to Heather at heatherthompsonday.com, on Twitter @HeatherTDay, and on Instagram @heatherthompsonday. Viral Jesus is a production of Christianity Today Host and creator: Heather Thompson Day Producer: Loren Joseph Executive Producer: Ed Gilbreath Director of CT Podcasts: Mike Cosper Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

This week, Heather talks to Raymond Chang, president and cofounder of the Asian American Christian Collaborative (AACC). Ray is well known on social media for his bold voice on issues pertaining to faith, race, and justice. Ray also serves as a campus minister at Wheaton College, where he leads the school’s Discipleship Ministries program. He preaches and speaks around the country and has lived throughout the world (Korea, Guatemala, Panama, Spain, China). Find Ray on Twitter @tweetraychang. In this episode Heather and Ray discuss political divisions in the church, the anti-Asian violence that made headlines earlier this year, and ways we all can keep a global mindset when worshiping with one another. Ray also explains how our faith calls us to address the sin of racism in the church and society. And in our #GrowingViral segment, meet Sam Dumcum, a U.S. Marine Corps veteran and duathlete who is an outspoken champion for mental health and for helping people with post-traumatic stress disorder. Find Sam on Instagram @samdumcum and on Twitter @SamDumcum. Reach out to Heather at heatherthompsonday.com, on Twitter @HeatherTDay, and on Instagram @heatherthompsonday. Viral Jesus is a production of Christianity Today Host and creator: Heather Thompson Day Producer: Loren Joseph Executive Producer: Ed Gilbreath Director of CT Podcasts: Mike Cosper Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

This week, former Bachelor star and Bachelorette contestant Ben Higgins joins Heather for an insightful conversation about the emptiness of fame, the criticism he faced as a Christian on a reality-television dating show, and why authentic connections with people are more important than having millions of social media followers. Higgins is also garnering attention as an author. His new book, Alone in Plain Sight: Searching for Connection When You’re Seen but Not Known, explores his struggles with loneliness and insecurity, and shows how he finds ultimate hope in his connection with God. Find Ben on Instagram @higgins.ben. And in our #GrowingViral segment, meet Vimbo Zvandasara-Zhou, creator of Between Believers, an online speed dating event meant to bring love and connection to people who are searching for it right from their phone screens. Vimbo created Between Believers after journeying through her own singleness during the pandemic. Find Vimbo on Instagram @betweenbelievers and on Twitter @ohvimbo.

Reach out to Heather Thompson Day on Twitter @HeatherTDay and Instagram @heatherthompsonday. Viral Jesus is a production of Christianity Today Host and creator: Heather Thompson Day Producer: Loren Joseph Executive Producer: Ed Gilbreath Director of CT Podcasts: Mike Cosper Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

What if some of our greatest theologians are the last people we’d consider theologians? This is the riveting question posed by author Kat Armas in her new book, Abuelita Faith. A second-generation Cuban American who grew up on the outskirts of Miami's Little Havana neighborhood, Kat's earliest theological formation came from her grandmother—her abuelita—who fled Cuba during the height of political unrest and raised three children alone after her husband’s death. In her grandmother’s life, Kat discovered a bold expression of faith that has challenged, motivated, and inspired her in her own spiritual journey. Today as a writer, speaker, and podcaster, Kat shows us how voices from the margins—those often dismissed because of their gender, race, socioeconomic status, or lack of education—have more to teach us about following God than we realize. In this episode, Heather and Kat discuss everyday theologians, the power of our family stories, and what we can learn from women in the Bible about survival, strength, and resilience. You will see quickly why Kat is one of Heather’s favorite social media follows. Find her at KatArmas.com and on Twitter @kat_armas. Also, in our #GrowingViral segment, meet Raquel Mentor. Raquel is a social media manager who helps people, churches, and brands share their value with online audiences. You can find Raquel active on Instagram @thementorlife and on Twitter @raqueljmentor. Reach out to Heather Thompson Day on Twitter @HeatherTDay and Instagram @heatherthompsonday. Viral Jesus is a production of Christianity Today Host and creator: Heather Thompson Day Producer: Loren Joseph Executive Producer: Ed Gilbreath Director of CT Podcasts: Mike Cosper Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Social media spaces are full of mean-spirited and contentious personalities who thrive on antagonizing others. Listen in as Heather and her guest, theologian Ian Clary, discuss how to deal with social media bullies. They offer practical tips for focusing on your craft more than your critics. Ian also shares his formula for becoming an effective podcaster. Ian Clary is an assistant professor of historical theology at Colorado Christian University. He is a fellow of the Andrew Fuller Center for Baptist Studies; the Center for Baptist Renewal; the Center for Ancient Christian Studies; and was recently a board member with the Davenant Institute. Ian also cohosts Into Theology, a podcast from The Gospel Coalition Canada. Also, in our #GrowingViral segment, meet Jessica Kisunzu, an assistant professor of organic chemistry at Colorado College. As an African American chemist, Jessica is passionate about mentoring Black students in the sciences. And she also finds time to share her musical gifts. She’s active on Twitter @JKisunzu, on Instagram @jkisunzumusic, and on her YouTube channel. Reach out to Heather Thompson Day on Twitter @HeatherTDay and Instagram @heatherthompsonday. Viral Jesus is a production of Christianity Today Host and creator: Heather Thompson Day Producer: Loren Joseph Executive Producer: Ed Gilbreath Director of CT Podcasts: Mike Cosper Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Author, literary scholar, and social media dynamo Karen Swallow Prior joins Heather for an engrossing discussion on what it means to build a “platform.” They dive right into the debate that is taking over much of Christian influencer culture—is a huge social media platform a byproduct of pursuing one’s call, or is it the call itself? Karen explains what she believes it means to be truly “called” and questions the unhealthy desperation to be published that she sees among some writers. Warning: This episode may ruffle a few feathers, but it will also stir conviction! Karen Swallow Prior is a research professor of English and Christianity and Culture at Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary. Her books include Booked: Literature in the Soul of Me and On Reading Well: Finding the Good Life through Great Books. She is co-editor of Cultural Engagement: A Crash Course in Contemporary Issues and has written articles for Christianity Today, The Atlantic, The Washington Post, Relevant, The Gospel Coalition, and many others. Also, in our #GrowingViral segment, meet Madison Hart. Madi is a lover of Jesus, books, and the great outdoors, and has created a blog that she hopes will make you feel less alone. You can find Madi and her blog on Instagram @M’s Inklings. Reach out to Heather Thompson Day on Twitter @HeatherTDay and Instagram @heatherthompsonday. Viral Jesus is a production of Christianity Today Host and creator: Heather Thompson Day Producer: Loren Joseph Executive Producer: Ed Gilbreath Director of CT Podcasts: Mike Cosper Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

In this episode, Heather and her “online friend” Pastor Aaron Duvall discuss how to build genuine online friendships. They also explore the value of online Christian community—especially during the pandemic. Plus, Aaron reveals the story behind Weird Christian Twitter. Aaron is the teaching pastor and director of communication at Victory Highway Wesleyan Church in Painted Post, New York, where he resides with his wife, Chera, and daughter, Harper. You can find Aaron active on Twitter @RevDuv. Also, in the #GrowingViral segment, you’ll meet photographer Autry Jones. He’s active on Instagram @autryjonescreative, where he publishes photos that share God’s beauty in everyday life. Reach out to Heather Thompson Day on Twitter @HeatherTDay and Instagram @heatherthompsonday. Viral Jesus is a production of Christianity Today Host and creator: Heather Thompson Day Producer: Loren Joseph Executive Producer: Ed Gilbreath Director of CT Podcasts: Mike Cosper Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

This week, Heather introduces you to her good friend Justin Khoe. Justin is a church consultant and a self-taught video whiz who now has over 116,000 subscribers to his YouTube channel. With series like “I’m Listening,” where he sits down with people who hold various opposing views and simply listens, Justin is turning YouTube into a spiritual laboratory for curiosity and understanding. In this episode, Heather and Justin discuss what it really means to be passionate about your calling, how to engage your critics, and things every content creator should know before they start creating. In addition to YouTube, Justin is active on Twitter @jkhoe and has launched a rapidly growing TikTok presence. Also, in the #GrowingViral segment, you’ll meet Benjamin Young. Heather and Benjamin discuss his podcast, Guard the Gift, and how his passions for ministry and education intersect. You can find Benjamin active on Twitter @BJYoung1990. Reach out to Heather Thompson Day on Twitter @HeatherTDay and Instagram @heatherthompsonday. Viral Jesus is a production of Christianity Today Host and creator: Heather Thompson Day Producer: Loren Joseph Executive Producer: Ed Gilbreath Director of CT Podcasts: Mike Cosper Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

This week Heather welcomes pastor, radio host, and social media expert Douglas Bursch. Doug copastors Evergreen Foursquare Church in Auburn, Washington. He earned his DMin from George Fox Evangelical Seminary with a dissertation focused on social media, and he opens up the topic for a lay audience in his latest book, Posting Peace: Why Social Media Divides Us and What We Can Do About It. In an episode filled with candid insight and inspiration, Heather and Doug discuss online discouragement, platforming, the mystery of Twitter verification, and how to stay “fairly spiritual” even on contentious social networks. In addition to his Fairly Spiritual website, you can find Doug active on Twitter @fairlyspiritual. Also, in our #GrowingViral segment, you’ll meet Joshua Wu. Joshua serves as a vice president for a global communications and data analytics firm. He is also the editorial director for Reclaim, the magazine of the Asian American Christian Collaborative. Follow Joshua on Twitter @joshswu. Reach out to Heather Thompson Day on Twitter @HeatherTDay and Instagram @heatherthompsonday. Viral Jesus is a production of Christianity Today Hosted and created by: Heather Thompson Day Produced by: Loren Joseph Executive Producer: Ed Gilbreath Director of CT Podcasts: Mike Cosper Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

In this episode of Viral Jesus, Heather meets one of her online heroes, Kristina Kuzmic—mom blogger, YouTube storyteller, and author of Hold On, But Don’t Hold Still. Kristina was discovered by Oprah Winfrey in 2011 and crowned the winner of Mark Burnett’s reality-television competition Oprah’s Search for the Next TV Star. Now, with over 1 billion video views, Kristina is providing her audience with encouragement, hope and humor in a role she never expected to fill. Listen in as Heather and Kristina discuss resilience, hope, and knowing your purpose. And follow Kristina’s adventures on Twitter, Instagram, and YouTube. Also, in our #GrowingViral segment, Pastor Aaron Duvall shares about his social media practices. Aaron is the teaching pastor and director of communication at Victory Highway Wesleyan Church in Painted Post, New York, where he resides with his wife, Chera, and daughter, Harper. You can find Aaron active on Twitter. You can find Heather Thompson Day on Twitter @HeatherTDay and Instagram @heatherthompsonday.

Viral Jesus is a production of Christianity Today Hosted and created by: Heather Thompson Day Produced by: Loren Joseph Executive Producer: Ed Gilbreath Director of CT Podcasts: Mike Cosper Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

This first episode of Viral Jesus, season 1, features Esau McCaulley, author of Reading While Black. Esau is a biblical scholar and assistant professor of New Testament at Wheaton College in Illinois. In this episode, Heather and Esau discuss Black interpretation of Scripture, social media, and critics. You can find Esau active on Twitter. Also, in our #GrowingViral segment, meet Dorena Williamson. Dorena is the author of a set of children’s books that help parents introduce conversations of race and faith. Her books Colorfull, Thoughtfull, and Gracefull are books that every parent should have to teach kids how to be thoughtful and colorful rather than colorblind. You can find Dorena active on Twitter. You can find Heather on Twitter @HeatherTDay and Instagram @heatherthompsonday.

Viral Jesus is a production of Christianity Today The show was created by Heather Thompson Day Produced by: Loren Joseph Executive Producer: Ed Gilbreath Director of CT Podcasts: Mike Cosper Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Viral Jesus is a podcast from Christianity Today about digital communication and the power of social connections. Join author and communication scholar Heather Thompson Day as she dives deep with ministry founders, content creators, and social media thought leaders to find out how they’re starting important conversations online and making their faith go viral. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices