The Shantymen Podcast: Recent Episodes
EastSide Church
The Shantymen Podcast will take you on a rugged adventure of spiritual and life conversation, drawing inspiration from the Shantymen of the Miramichi.
What are you chasing after in life? On todays episode the guys share their struggle with pursuing things that have no substance. Victor also talks about his heavy foot and how "backing the blue" doesn't always work in ones favour.
In todays episode Victor sits down with Briahna Mitchell to discover her story (so far) and how she found herself in God's story.
In a world that seems to be moving away from Christian values, what should be the Christian's response? In today episode the guys wonder, out loud, if Christians are doing enough to offer a different pattern of living for the culture to consider.
What does it look like to truly follow Jesus? In today's episode the guys discuss the cost of following Jesus and if we sometimes look to the wrong people to give give us our cues of how to be a Christian. They also welcome Bri to help with all there "Googling" needs and Sam temps Victor with his favorite snack.
Should Christians prepare for the end in any other way other than expecting the return of Jesus? Is storing food or building cement bunkers a part of how Jesus taught us to prepare?
After a year away from the ol' podcasting mic the guys return for a third season of banter, musings, arguments and (hopefully) discovery.
In this episode the guys share their stories of feeling low and their honest struggle with depression. They share the hope they've found and some practical solutions to coping with the blues.
In this episode Victor has a conversation with his son Trenton. They muse about sports and cars and then discuss Trenton's peers and their spiritual realities.
In this episode of The Shantymen Podcast Sam shares his thought on the year that was, Victor shares his biggest regret in life... so far and a dead crow may be a sign of trouble ahead.
Today Victor chats with his nephew Daniel Walker about faith, family and what life looks like after the lights fade on an exciting sports career.
In this week's episode the shantymen host a small live recording of their 50th podcast. This Christmas show includes past guests and a couple new ones including Victor's son Trenton and The Shantymen Podcast's super fan Byron Miller.
Today the guys discuss the reasons behind their faith in the Creator and how they each got to those conclusions. Victor also expresses his love for podcasting while Sam may need a boost in the ratings to get him motivated to record more. Wink, wink.
In this episode of the Shantymen Podcast the guys confess being shy about admitting that they have a podcast. Then they discuss what part religion, or more specifically, Christianity, has in the creation and promotion of art and the artistic expression.
In an age of online everything, Christians have endless options of Preachers to follow. All pastors are not created equal however. Today, the Shantymen weight in on who they listen to and give some recommendations on how to asses today's celebrity preachers.
Time to get the women folk involved I guess. Victor's wife Jodi joins as a podcast guest to have an impromptu chat about relationships, marriage and raising the young'ins. This one is off the cuff but they say it like it is and have 25 years of marriage to back it up.
The guys open the podcast with some unlikely tips on finding some extra time in your day. Victor shares the story of EastSide Church’s devastating fire and loss of the Vogue Theatre. And hope is found in knowing that God is in control.
We’ll admit it, this one gets off to a rough start. (Yes Sam, we are recording!) But the guys finally straighten things out to have a very positive conversation about death.
The guys weigh in on cancel culture and what some of the implications are for us and the church. They also may have offended several people just in the opener.
And... we're back. Phew. The Shantymen Podcast gives an update on all that happened (or didn't happen) during the lock down. Victor has to defend his predictions from 4 months ago and Sam has questions about monkeys.
Another inside look at traditional church culture. The Shantymen muse about your Sunday Best. Sam Wakefield takes over the podcast and gives the guys a run for their money.
Today on the podcast the Shantymen welcome friend Sam Wakefield to have a spirited discussion about Bible versions. (It doesn't quite come to blows) They also mine the nuances of The Brethren denomination and finally answer the question "How Many Baptists Should you Take on your Camping Trip?"
What is your reason for not being a Christian? The Shantymen share their most compelling reasons why you should reject Christianity. They also make a case for getting rid of all eagles and how cool their lunch boxes were back in the day.
In today's episode the guys look at a very strange phobia. Apeirophobia is the fear of eternity. What does this fear look like and how might someone who has the fear of forever deal with it especially in light of the Christian view point of living forever? The Shantymen give show outs to the "other cafe" and touch on their own irrational fears.
In todays episode the guys get caught up after a bit of a hiatus, discuss the finer points of KD prep and respond to fears of God using the COVID-19 virus to wipe out the world. Happy dooms day everybody!
Victor welcomes a special guest, Roman Francis, as they discuss Jiu Jitsu, anger and the Gospel. Roman opens up about his anger issues and what he has discovered about himself through his new found love of Jiu Jitsu. How can the Gospel and BJJ work together to find freedom from anger? This is a frank conversation so listener discretion advised.
In this episode the Shantymen respond to the idea that all religions are basically the same. Do all faiths believe basically the same thing and do they all lead, eventually, to God?
Why am I a Christian?- Are you? A Christian I mean. Did you ever stop and think, why? In this week's episode the Shantymen share their personal reasons for why they call themselves Christian. Are any of these reasons your reasons? They could be. Also, Victor gets red faced about the Super Bowl Half Time show and Sam learns some science.
Today the Shantymen explore the idea of happiness. It seems like happiness is a worthy pursuit but can we truly be happy? Is there a better option?
What kind of extreme measures would you take to know God better? What would you give up to leave room for God to speak? In this episode the Shantymen welcome their friends Sam and Jared to discuss their new three month spiritual exercise. They talk about the reasons they are each on this journey and what they hope to gain giving up hot showers.
Every Christian parent wants their children to grow up knowing Jesus and serving God. The reality is a large percentage of kids will walk away from their faith by the time they are in their second year of college. Why is this happening and what can we do to help keep kids form leaving their faith?
The Shantymen welcome guest Noah Black as they discuss the issue of homelessness and the Christian's response. How should the church respond? What roll should government play? What can we, as individuals do? Victor also takes issue with the guys and their involvement in a certain "roll playing" game and a "listener mail" takes Sam off guard.
Should Christians get bent out of shape is people don't want to say Merry Christmas? Is society ready to let the religious side of Christmas slip into past history or do we fight to keep Christ in Christmas. What does that even mean? Also, learn the best way to prepare for human hibernation and the lads share meaningful Xmas memories.
Want to start a cult? First thing you need to do is find some Bible verses to twist. In this episode the guys discuss some of the Bible's most misconstrued, misquoted and down right twisted verses. Everything from "name it and claim it" to "do not judge" get the Shantymen's once over treatment. Listen as Victor records the entire podcast handicapped by a delicious latte and Sam tries to help Victor steer clear of the new bucket-o-skin.
Where is God when it hurts? Today we hear a story that is full of a lot of life's hurt but also is full of hope. Follow Tobi Leah Russo as she recounts her life story and what she thinks the answer is to the longing that was in her heart for many years. This episode is brought to you by Disney +.
Paul Colman, formerly of Newsboys, joins Victor on this episode to discuss the label of Christian music, and whether art should be labeled this way or not. There are so many things to write about, and God can be one of them, but everything should be worship. Christians need to step up our game, because the devil shouldn’t have all the good music!
What is up with movie stars, musical artist and MMA Fighters giving God props for their award or big win. Do they really mean that or is it just something people say? Is Kayne West really Christianity's newest mega Pastor? In this episode the lads discuss these questions and more as "pop goes Christianity".
In this weeks episode Victor has image issues based on how people used to describe him. We delve into Sam psyche after learning which kids movie makes him cry... every time and the lads play a game of "Jesus song" or love ballad.
Our friend Nate decides to take over the podcast as his own! We talk about his moving to Miramichi and many funny stories about growing up and current life. We also bring up Westboro Baptist’s destruction of Christian image and how we aren’t always tactful in communicating our beliefs.
The long awaited Skubala Part 2! The guys couldn’t wait to bring more crazy things that people say that they should stop saying. Common, cliche phrases that may or may not be Biblical, but "holy stink" we all say them. Nobody gets it right all the time!
Two topics that you are not suppose to bring up in polite conversation and the Shantymen hit both in one episode. Where is the line between our faith and who we vote for? Should our beliefs and our Christian values dictate the out-come of our Canadian elections? Sam steps into the confessional booth and Victor give Sam a population update on Miramichi City.
The boys bring out the old hymns in this episode - the weird ones. Ever be in church and wonder what everyone is singing about or raise your eyebrow? We list the top eyebrow raising hymns that either haven’t aged well, are sometimes misunderstood or both. If you take things literally then it can get a little interesting!
The Shantymen Podcast kicks off Season 1 right! Updates about life, their summer and raising kids from infant to launching them into adulthood. They are excited about the future podcasts but know that conversations in the area of belief isn't always pretty! Truth is found in the searching, so we are searching this season!
This is it, the last episode of Season 1! The guys get no holds barred on Christians and heathens, and the things they say that they shouldn’t be saying. Victor and Sam get a wee bit judgey towards some commonly used “Christian” phrases and explain why it’s all skubala. What’s skubala you ask? Victor and Sam explain it all in this tongue in cheek final episode of season 1 of The Shantymen Podcast.
In episode 16, the guys celebrate the birth of Sam’s Shantybaby Sloane, but not before Victor solves the problem of what to do with an almost empty toothpaste tube. Sam recounts the day leading up to the birth of his baby and why he will never forget the time of 9:36; and Victor recalls his experience in the delivery room 18 years ago. The guys open up about how having a child can emotionally and mentally change a person, and the pressures you feel as a new father. It’s all umbilical cords and placentas in this podcast, with a few existential musings fit in.
Sam has a brand new baby and Victor is off in the wilderness, so for this week's episode we will be re-releasing the first ever Shantymen pod. Discover, or re-discover, the origins of the Shantymen in their first recorded show. Listen to the humble beginnings of the podcast for recovering Christians; get to know Sam and Victor’s background, why they chose to be called Shantymen, and how they feel about the term “Christian”. Don’t miss this one on its second time around. This is where it all began.
This week's episode starts off comparing Victor’s crying to Tobey Maguire in Spiderman. The guys reminisce and discuss bible camp, counselling, and outhouse stories. Then Victor and Sam pick up with, and attempt to answer, the question Steve Poltz asked in episode 13, “what is God?” Sam talks about the answer he gave to Steve, if he was satisfied, and how it kept him awake at night. Then the guys get into a full biblical deep dive of how they would describe what God is. If you haven’t listened to episode 13, you should go back and check that out first to get a full feel of where this podcast takes you.
Paddy Quinn joins Sam and Victor as they have a conversation with musician Steve Poltz just before his show at the Vogue Theatre. Steve talks about his maritime roots, how he creates his music, his process to playing a live show and how he handles different crowds. Then Steve quickly changes the subject, asking Sam and Victor if they believe in God!!?! Steve then gets into what he believes God is, how he views religion and how it fits into his life.
Sam and Vic lead off the episode by “Christian Nerding Out” and reminiscing about how they were raised, the shows they were allowed to watch, and the music they listened too. Victor reveals what TV program he would sneak downstairs and watch when his parents were sleeping. The guys then attempt to answer a listener question - “Why as Christians should we be champions of the environment, protecting God’s creation?”. Sam and Vic debate whether God commanded us to take responsibility for the earth; or, does it not make a difference because the world is marred by sin and the world will all burn one day?
Episode 11 recounts the birth of Creative Grounds Cafe and its growth into a third wave coffee house. The guys discuss how a cup of coffee can bring people together, and the cafe’s connection to Chatham and the Eastside Church. Sam and Victor also debate the quality of “church” coffee, how they converted to drinking black coffee, and attempt to answer the age old question, “does Jesus want good quality church coffee?”
On today’s episode Sam and Victor discuss broken relationships, reshaping faith through difficult situations, and how to reform a relationship with Christ after devastating circumstances. Their special guest “Sam” shares his story of his upbringing in a traditional Christian home and then the phone call that changed everything. This episode deals directly with how to address pain and isolation, and the importance of community.
Victor sits down with Jimmy MacKinley to talk about his career as a comedian. The two get into the connection between comedy and church, and how comedians and pastors can similarly create controversy through their communication mediums, and the consequences that controversy may lead to. Don’t do DayQuil kids!
The guys are a “couple or 8 pods” in and Vic and Sam address their stance on appropriate and inappropriate language, and people’s comfort level, with an incredibly long winded podcast advisory. Next the guys dive deep into mental health and Nathaniel’s story of struggle with anxiety that forced him to miss time in high school. Nathaniel and the guys get into the stigma in the church when it comes to health and medication, and Nathaniel reveals his experience of how the church positively and negatively responded to his mental health. Victor and Sam want to encourage anyone who struggles with mental health to reach out to them, a friend, family member, or a professional. There is always help and you do not need to face it alone.
This weeks episode begins with Victor judging Sam’s axe swinging ability. Then the guys bring Jeff Swartzentruber, Media Pastor at The Point Church, on the pod to discuss the role of media in the church and society. Jeff and the guys debate the fear that the church’s online presence may lead to less personal relationships among people, and how Jeff plans to use media and the internet to bring people closer together and to Christianity. How many times do you think Victor will use the term “unpack”? Tune in and find out!
On this week's episode, Sam and Victor bring up porn and beard oil, in no particular order. Then they welcome their very first guest, Victor's father, Vin Somers. He shares the impact of the Shantymen Missionaries he met when he was young, how his life took him from rebellion to pastor, and how God called him to move him and his family from an amazing paying job, to a job in which he wouldn’t be paid - twice!
The Shantymen talk about where they got their name for the podcast, the origin of the Shantymen of Miramichi and across Canada, as well as the journey and impact they had in the woods and logging camps. Also, Victor gets depressed if he doesn't have chips and Sam is giving up coffee for lent!
A follow up to the last podcast, in this second part, The Shantymen talk about the positive impact the church has had in history and currently. We discuss making communities better through love by giving, health and healing, getting behind community members, generosity and more! The Shantymen also prove how terrible they are at accents!
The Shantymen lead off the podcast discussing their family names, heritage, and Victor's connection to ketchup and Bermuda. Then Vic and Sam address their love for the Christian community; but, despite this love, grapple with the harm the church has done in the community and discuss 5 negative things they believe have driven people away from the church.
On this week's episode, The Shantymen talk about the growth of the east side of Miramichi including the East Side Church, Creative Grounds Cafe, and more.
Then they jump right into a discussion about labels in the church mainly the term Christian, the negative reactions to those labels, and why they don’t refer to themselves as Pastors.
In this debut episode of the Shantymen Podcast, your hosts Victor Somers and Sam Rushton introduce themselves and talk about their backgrounds. They discuss the term “Christian”, the negative connotations it can evoke, and then try to redefine it within the realm of the podcast.
Victor and Sam also talk about the first movie they ever watched, church nostalgia, and how Victor hasn’t quite learned Hebrew.