Struggling for Purpose focuses on the journey of finding purpose in our lives. Our ultimate purpose is to glorify God. What does that look like? Through interviews and audio essays, John Wilkerson explores how Christians find purpose serving God.
I recently ended a fundraiser I’d been doing for Hope International without reaching my fundraising goal. Well, without reaching my stretch goal.
Some things I could have done differently.
I also gained a little insight into Instagram’s algorithm. Listen in for what I learned.
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Music: “Loopster” Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com) Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 4.0 License
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Until things about our government and the way we vote changes, I’m going to hate on it.
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Music: “Loopster” Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com) Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 4.0 License
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I ran a 5K without training. The best part was that I ran it with my family. Let’s talk about that.
You can watch me run a 5K on Instagram.
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Music: “Loopster” Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com) Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 4.0 License
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There are five things in life that I try to prioritize and if we’re friends it’s probably because of one or more of those five things.
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Music: “Loopster” Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com) Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 4.0 License
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A car show is a multigenerational event and church should be too.
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Music: “Loopster” Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com) Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 4.0 License
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For the last 50 days I’ve been using the same coffee mug in my Instagram stories and reels to raise funds for Hope International.
If you have an Instagram account, you can contribute to the fundraiser through the link in my profile.
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Music: “Loopster” Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com) Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 4.0 License
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I can’t podcast today.
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Music: “Loopster” Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com) Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 4.0 License
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My favorite spot to sit in my house is a dead man’s recliner.
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Music: “Loopster” Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com) Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 4.0 License
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I have boomerang kids. Let’s talk about that.
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Music: “Loopster” Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com) Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 4.0 License
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I’ve been a rideshare driver for five years and I’ve come to see it as a ministry.
When I say that I see it as a ministry I’m not talking about how some people misconstrue Colossians 3:23-24 as a passage about “working for the Lord.”
I mean it in the sense of how Adam in Genesis was placed in The Garden of Eden for the purpose of working and glorifying God through that work.
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Music: “Loopster” Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com) Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 4.0 License
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A quick, 6-month check-up on how I’m doing with my three words for this year: embrace, cultivate, & simplify.
You can find my electric scooter channel here: Adirondack Electric Scooters
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Music: “Loopster” Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com) Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 4.0 License
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I decided to stop creating content for a few YouTube channels I’d been maintaining. Listen to hear how much it reduced the noise in my head.
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Music: “Loopster” Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com) Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 4.0 License
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I’ve been podcasting in one form or another since 2005. When I started podcasting I would sit in my car with either my laptop or a PDA and record my podcast. I had no idea what I was doing or how this new medium would change my life.
Since 2005 I’ve published at least 1,599 episodes. This is the 1600th episode I’ve published (I think). This is a good-faith estimate. There may be more but I’m terrible at keeping track of this kind of stuff.
Here’s a (rough) breakdown of the number of podcast episodes I released each year. Numbers in parentheses are YTD totals.
2005: 2
2006: 50 (52)
2007: 90 (142)
2008: 108 (250)
2009: 50 (300)
2010: 454 (756)
2011: 56 (810)
2012: 40 (850)
2013: 67 (917)
2014: 49 (966)
2015: 66 (1032)
2016: 50 (1082)
2017: 63 (1145)
2018: 104 (1248)
2019: 27 (1275)
2020: 168 (1443)
2021: 75 (1518)
2022: 50 (1568)
2023: 21 (1589)
2024: 10 (1599)
This breaks down to approximately 84 episodes per year. It doesn’t include podcasts where I was a guest or on a panel. No, the number in 2010 is not a typo. I recorded or produced 365 episodes for a daily podcast that year on top of my regular podcasts.
Let’s dig into the numbers!
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Music: “Loopster” Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com) Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 4.0 License
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I’ve been podcasting for a long time. There’s on podcaster who I consider to my my personal podcast hero: James Kennison. He has persevered through enormous setbacks and managed to create and maintain a successful podcast. You can find his podcasts at nlcast.com.
Note: The prompt used to generate the AI image for this post was “superhero podcasting”.
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Music: “Loopster” Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com) Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 4.0 License
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I’m creatively burned out and stretched to thin. I’m also frustrated by people making low-effort content.
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Music: “Loopster” Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com) Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 4.0 License
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I’m slowly rebranding this podcast. You’ll hear the new tagline in this one: A personal audio journal of faith and folly. I’m still massaging the delivery. This podcast was recorded in my car.
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Music: “Loopster” Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com) Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 4.0 License
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Sometimes life gets in the way of podcasting and that’s OK. Don’t beat yourself up over it.
My friend, Scott Roche helped me understand this after sharing a post on TikTok. I highly recommend that you follow him if you do anything creative.
Sometimes the things that prevent you from podcasting are in your control and other times they’re out of your control. Whatever, the reason, it’s OK.
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Music: “Loopster” Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com) Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 4.0 License
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A quick check-in on how I’m doing with My 3 Words after one month. Also, some comments on checking in on our spiritual lives as well.
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Music: “Loopster” Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com) Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 4.0 License
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Despite being a podcaster since 2005, I still feel like I’m on the outside looking in.
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Music: “Loopster” Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com) Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 4.0 License
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I have a love/hate relationship with social media. Part of what I struggle with is which platforms I should invest in. The concept of “being everywhere” is hard to maintain when you’re a team of one.
I’m at a point where I need to simplify my approach to social media and cultivate the platforms that yield the best results.
For now, you can interact with me on the following social media platforms:
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Music: “Loopster” Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com) Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 4.0 License
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My 3 Words is a yearly exercise to help people focus on three ways they can achieve their goals. For a better explanation of My 3 Words, check out Chris Brogan’s blog. He does a better job explaining it than I do.
EmbraceI’m embracing all aspects of who I am. In the past, I’ve shied away from sharing that I’m a Christian in other projects besides those directly related to Christianity. This year I’m going to lean into it, when appropriate.
CultivateI have a lot of things going on in social media, podcasting, and other online ventures. This year I’m going to cultivate those things that produce the best results instead of spreading myself so thin.
SimplifySimple doesn’t equal to easy. Sometimes it’s easier to write or say more. It can be difficult to be precise. It’s easier to record a podcast and only edit obvious mistakes instead of editing for content.
By now, you should see these three words in nearly all of my social media profiles. I’m putting them there to remind me what I’m aiming for this year.
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Music: “Loopster” Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com) Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 4.0 License
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You may have seen me use the phrase or hashtag “Not an Influcer” in some of my social media profiles. Over the past year, however, I think I may have become a Christian influencer. I’m not sure I’m ready to embrace that moniker, even though I’ve been podcasting and using social media even longer since 2005.
As much as it pains me to admit this, I’m an influencer. I may not influence many people or even influence the right people, but, I’m an influencer. More specifically, I’m a Christian influencer.
Merriam-Webster defines an influencer as, “one who exerts influenceor a person who inspires or guides the actions of others.” More specifically, it’s “a person who is able to generate interest in something (such as a consumer product) by posting about it on social media.”
If I’m being honest with myself, I’ve been doing this for 18 years through podcasting and social media. Truth be told, as Christians we should be influencers. We are to be salt and light (Matthew 5:13-16) but does that extend to convincing other Christians to buy certain products?
I don’t think it does and that’s why I’ve always felt uncomfortable calling myself an influencer, especially a Christian influencer. While capitalism has done great things for the world, it has also created a culture of greed and exploitation. I think “Christian capitalism” falls into some of the same traps.
It’s easy to get stuck in the Christian ghetto and think everything that’s labeled as “Christian” is good and valuable. I’ve done it too many times. Christian music, movies, podcasts, pickleball paddles, clothing, and more fill my timelines.
These peddlers of products reach out to me from time to time asking if I’ll join their influencer team. I was once part of an influencer network but had to bow out because it was clear that honest opinions weren’t what they were looking for.
I was never asked to change what I posted but I did notice that I was sometimes not included in some promotions after a not-so-stellar review or commentary.
Even the influencer network I’m in now sometimes sends me promotions that I don’t want to participate in because the product looks mediocre, at best.
I continue to struggle with this label of influencer but for now, I’ve decided to embrace it. And much like some musicians and writers, I’ll say I’m an influencer who is a Christian. That’s a compromise I’m happy with for now.
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Music: “Loopster” Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com) Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 4.0 License
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Music: “Loopster” Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com) Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 4.0 License
Love can be difficult to define but some friends and I did our best.
Guests in this podcast:
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Music: “Loopster” Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com) Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 4.0 License
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What brings you Joy? Maybe it’s a baby’s smile or reading a good book.
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Music: “Loopster” Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com) Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 4.0 License
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Where do you find peace? Is it at church, on a hike, or hanging out with friends and family?
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Music: “Loopster” Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com) Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 4.0 License
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Every few years I like to record episodes in December about Advent. Advent is a special time of year for me because it leads up to Christmas and the New Year.
This year I decided to ask people questions about the themes of Advent. Today’s question is: What gives you hope? Listen in to hear what friends and family had to say.
Mentioned in the podcast:
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Music: “Loopster” Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com) Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 4.0 License
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Happy Halloween! This year I’ve decided to read Martin Luther’s 95 Theses posted on October 31, 1517, on the door of Castle Church in Wittenberg, Germany.
Other than a brief intro and outro, the 95 Theses are read without commentary.
You can download a PDF, if you’d like to follow along.
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Music: “Loopster” Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com) Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 4.0 License
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This is me trying to release a podcast without freaking out.
Emotional DamageI was a guest on Christian Geek Central talking about Proverbs 5. Scrub to 30:58 if you want to get right to it.
I’m hoping to speak at PODTalks October virtual event. Looks like a great line-up from what I’ve seen so far.
SEARCHING FOR SPEAKERS: I am looking for experienced podcast guests and hosts to speak about podcasting on either side of the mic at my virtual event (PODTalks) on Thursday, 10/19!
The format is a solo talk (no slides) 12-16 minutes long. Sort of a TEDx vibe!
Do you have a… pic.twitter.com/Ezy0iab9ho
— Alex Sanfilippo (@AJSanfi) September 13, 2023
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Music: “Loopster” Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com) Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 4.0 License
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I should have planned to release this podcast on my birthday last week. I wasn’t really thinking about my age leading up to my 50th birthday. Now that it has
I recently join Winston Crutchfield on his weekly Facebook Live, “Starman Talk”. He and I talked about the Lyrid Meteor Shower, the Space X Starship launch, and how science fiction has become science fact.
Watch the full, unedited conversation.
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Since the dawn of podcasting, pundits and pros have predicted what the upcoming year will bring to the hobby/business of podcasting. I’m not going to do that.
Instead, I want to share with you what I think my future looks like related to podcasting. Here it is in a nutshell:
If you’ve supported me in the past, thank you! If you’re a new listener welcome! If you want more details, listen to the podcast.
I recorded this episode using a Maono USB lavalier mic in Hindenburg.
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Podcasters around the world had different reactions to the passing of Queen Elizabeth II and it made me think about how much the industry revolves around the US.
What's the plan, Stan? In this episode of Struggling for Purpose, I lay out my sketchy plan to renew the podcast. Will it work? Will the cows come home? Will anyone even listen?
As I wind down this podcast, I decided to give Pod decks a try. I answer some of the questions found in the "Episode Deck".
Chip and Dana Brown noticed a troubling trend: people were spending more and more time interacting with their smartphones than with the people around them.
February is historically a difficult month for me. It's the middle of winter and the shorter month puts me in a bit of a tailspin when it comes to my podcasting schedule.
How should Christians respond when ministry leaders fail morally? Lament and restoration are two good starting points.
In this interview, Mark Charles talks about the troubled history and myths of American exceptionalism and how he plans to continue to spread his message of conciliation.
The white Christ candle stands in the center of the Advent wreath. It represents Christ as the center of our worship and the center of our lives. Today we reflect
This week we’re adding a 5th candle in the center of the wreath. It symbolizes Christ and how He is to be at the center of our lives. We will
Today we celebrate the joy of knowing that Christ came to save us. We share in the joy that both Mary and Joseph must have felt at the birth of
I want 2021 to be a year of hope. So, I want to talk to people that have given me hope this year or have challenged my thinking. That being
If you did not grow up with Advent traditions in your church and home, it is still an important time of the year for us as Christians. Here are four
2021 will be here soon. I’m thinking about the direction of this podcast and I want to know what you think. Listen to the episode and comment below with your
As we enter into the Advent season, I thought I’d put together a few podcasts that reflect my thoughts and communicate the importance of the Advent tradition. You don’t have
Minister Christopher Perkins is an associate pastor at Redeemed Christian Center in Jackson, TN. I first met Minister Perkins through the Christian Podcasters Association. I recently heard him discussing urban
Things didn’t go as planned for today’s episode. I hope you’ll join me for the next one.
Hey! Remember me? I do still actually have a podcast. In this show, I’m talking about showing my kids how government works, NaPodPoMo, and 3Min Bible Study.
I first learned about Erik Price from his YouTube channel, California Driver, when I was researching driving for Uber. I’ve been following his channel for about 18 months now and
I’ve been focusing on some different project so this podcast has fallen by the wayside. Plus, I’m not feeling especially creative during this pandemic. I discuss that and more in
In August of 2018, I published a podcast detailing why I might stop using YouVersion. In recent weeks, more and more people have been seeing that post and listening to
George Floyd was murdered at the hands of three police officers this week. A lot has been said about the incident and, thankfully, the officer who was leaning on George’s
Paeter Frandsen is the mastermind behind Spirit Blade Productions and the Christian Geek Central. Spirit Blade Productions produces high-quality audio dramas for Christian geeks who are looking for more edgy
Jeremy Smith joins me today to discuss mental health and the church. We also discuss how the church can help those struggling with mental illness. during and after the Cornovirus
Working from home for the past week due to the COVID-19 pandemic has left me creatively drained. I talk about that and more in this podcast episode. You can find
In the first podcast in this series, I was dancing around a “taboo” when it comes to podcasting: profit. Since its inception, podcasters have been at odds over whether or
Failure to plan has been the biggest hurdle in my podcasting “career”. I’m not sure you can actually call it a career, but, I think you know what I mean.
Chris Staron hosts Truce Podcast and has written and directed two movies: Bringing Up Bobby and Between the Walls. If you listen to his podcast, you’ve probably also heard him
Today’s guest is Cale Nelson (K4CDN), he is best known for hosting the Ham Radio 360 and Modern Christian Men podcasts. He’s also the head-honcho at AFX Media Group where
Failure is an option. Yes, you read that right. Failure is an option. We often hear the opposite, that failure isn’t an option, and this gives Christians and podcasters (like
Since Christmas Day, I have been sharing a book each day on Twitter and Instagram. Many of these books I read last year. Some I’m sharing because I’d like you
‘Tis the season to take a break from podcasting. Many podcasters, including myself, tend to get a little lazy around this time of the year. In keeping with that tradition,
Last year at this time I was one week away from a shoulder replacement. In this episode, I reflect back on the past year and how I’m doing since the
After years of podcasting because I “had” to, I’m now podcasting because I “want” to. I’ve relaunched and reimagined my first podcast, Jesus Geek, with a new name: My Week
Last month Kanye West released his latest album, Jesus is King, to mixed reviews. His new album is controversial among Christians and non-Christians alike. I don’t have any strong opinions
I have too many choices. Listen as I process through why I haven’t been podcasting regularly. Also, I never got around to those show notes.
After listening to Evo Terra‘s podcast, Podcast Pontifications, regularly for a few months, I’ve come to realize that I’ve been “phoning it in” when it comes to this podcast. You
Lately, I’ve felt like the small sailboat in the image associated with this blog post. I’m adrift. The water is calm but there is no wind. I’m in a haze
Why is it that all of the “new” t.v. shows and movies seem to capitalize on 80’s nostalgia? What is driving this trend in media? How does that trend apply
Truth time: I hardly ever use a physical Bible. Nearly all of my devotional reading and studying is done on my computer, smartphone, or tablet. I use a physical Bible
I’ve decided to make some changes related to my podcasting. That means this podcast is changing (again) and another has got to go! It’s going to be messy for a
In 2015 when Periscope was the hottest and newest social media platform, I shared how podcasters and entrepreneurs could use the platform to better serve their audience. A number of
Steve Cleary talks about starting Revelation Media and the vision for THE PILGRIM'S PROGRESS.
Movies have been used for years as a way to reach people with the gospel. However, in some countries, unapproved religious content isn’t permitted. Allegories like The Pilgrim’s Progress can
Since I started podcasting in 2005, I’ve started ten podcasts. Of those ten, I consider three failures. In this episode of Struggling for Purpose, I’ll share why I think those
I reached out to other Christian podcasters and asked them why they podcast. In this episode of Struggling for Purpose you’ll hear from several podcasters and get some insight into
My podcasting friend, James Kennison of The Gospel of Kennison, recently released a similar podcast and I thought I’d rip-off his idea because I’m fresh out at this point.
I’d like to include you in the next episode, so please send an MP3 or WAV file answering the following question:
Why do you podcast?
Share your thoughts with me on Twitter using the hashtag #str4p.
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