Shows
Pizza & Side HugsBeing a MentorIn last week's episode, the Pizza and Side Hugs crew talked about the importance of having a mentor as a youth minister...but for new youth ministers to have mentors, that may mean it is time for you to step up and be a mentor. In this week's episode, the team jumps into why you should be a mentor and what that means. Listen in for some great thoughts on mentorship in youth ministry. Intro (0:50)You Could be a Mentor (1:17)When Should you be a Mentor? (4:20)What do you Offer as a...2025-06-0321 min
Pizza & Side HugsMentors for MentorsChrist did not send out his apostles one by one, but two by two. In this episode, the Pizza and Side Hugs team talks about what that means when you are working in ministry- it is so important to be doing it with someone else. Having a mentor can mean having a person to help you troubleshoot, brainstorm, and celebrate. Listen in to hear thoughts on why having a mentor is important and just how to go about starting that relationship. Intro Slice (1:04)Leaders Need Mentors, Too (2:29)2025-05-2722 min
Pizza & Side HugsCurriculum for Youth MinistryStruggling to figure out the curriculum situation for your youth ministry? It can be an overwhelming topic! With so many different topics and options available, curriculum may be a frustrating part of your ministry. In this week's episode, the Pizza and Side Hugs team sits down to talk about the merits of different curriculums, including writing your own! Intro Examples of Youth Ministry Curriculum Curriculum PlanningLinks: Doctrinal Elements of a Curriculum Framework for the Development of Catechetical Materials for High School...2025-05-2038 min
Pizza & Side HugsYouth Minister Self-CareThe average youth minister only lasts about 18 months...we want to help make sure that you don't fall into that statistic! In this episode, the Pizza and Side Hugs team talks about two main areas where you can take care of yourself: programmatically and personally. Listen in to this episode to learn some ways to care for you!Intro (2:18)Programmatic Self-Care (8:50)Personal Self-Care (26:15)Discerning Self-Care vs. Leadership (37:23)Conclusion(41:23)2025-05-1344 minPizza & Side HugsAsking Good QuestionsDo you ever struggle to ask good processing questions with teens? In this episode Paul, Rachel, and special guest Charlie Hardesty from the Diocese of Owensboro, break down what it looks like to engage with teens and ask better questions. Intro (0:52) Charlie Hardesty: Diocesan Director of Youth and Young Adult Ministry in Owensboro (1:18)What Are Better Questions? (2:08)Creating a Space of Joy (7:44)Best Practice to Help with Conversations (17:30)Conclusion (22:40)LINKS: S...2025-04-1524 min
Pizza & Side HugsWhat to Look for in Hiring a Youth MinisterIntro Slice (0:48)Hiring a YM is Tough (1:53)Decide What You NEED and is Possible with Your Resources (4:47)There are a lot of things you may want in a YM, but you need to decide what you need first. Do you need someone who is going to build a program? Or do you need someone who can spend time with your 5-10 young people? Do you need someone who is going to fire everyone up and move on? Or do you need a stable person to...2025-04-0826 min
Pizza & Side HugsBig Picture BudgetsBudgets are an important part of ministry and the work we do for the Church. In this episode, the Pizza and Side Hugs team breaks open budgeting and the ways that it can be an asset to you. Intro Slice (0:50)A Better Budget Perspective (1:08)In what ways do budgets help us in youth ministry? (3:51)pizzasidehugs@gmail.com2025-03-2530 min
Pizza & Side HugsLeading a TeamSo you've asked your people and gotten a team together, but you may be wondering what it looks like to lead them in a positive and formational way. In this episode, the Pizza and Side Hugs crew jumps into what it looks like to lead a team well and the positive impact that has on ministry. Leading a TeamBig Picture: After Recruiting (8:00)Show Up (10:21)Partner with Families (16:51)Cause Dialogue (23:18)Be a Follower (32:00)2025-03-1846 min
Pizza & Side HugsNCYC Pilgrimage PrepWe know it's only February...but it's time to start talking about NCYC! Once again, Indianapolis will be the host city for NCYC 2025, November 20-22nd. Whether you are a new youth minister or have been to NCYC dozens of times, this episode will have something for you. We hope that this episode will help as NCYC approaches!P.S. Need help with fundraising ideas? Check out our episode on fundraising by clicking here! What’s an NCYC memory that stands out most for you? (4:22)Big Picture: Why NCYC (11:40)2025-02-2553 min
Pizza & Side HugsHow to Say Thank YouAre you filled with gratitude for the people around you but not sure how to let them know that you appreciate all that they do to help? Look no further than this week's podcast episode to learn how to thank the people in your ministry that you appreciate so much!Culture of Gratitude (2:25)Around the Horn (5:50)Conclusion (19:27)Most of the time, we can think of our own experiences here. When did you receive thanks that really meant something? Try to imitate that style in...2025-02-1120 min
Pizza & Side HugsMental Health in Youth MinistryWelcome to Season 5! There are a lot of different facets when thinking about mental health in youth ministry, and it can be an overwhelming topic to try to cover in ministry. In this episode, the team talks about 3 different areas of mental health in ministry. Listen in to hear some thoughts. What’s one practice of self-care you’ve employed for your own mental health in the midst of youth ministry?(2:15)Big Picture: Why Address Mental Health in Youth Ministry? (9:00)Discussing Mental Health in Your Minis...2025-02-0449 minPizza & Side HugsLiturgical Living within Youth MinistryLiturgical living can and should be a huge part of of our Catholic faith, but it can be daunting to know where to start. In this SLICE the team breaks open simple ways to start liturgical living in ministry. Catholic Compendium for Liturgical LivingFrontiers of Faith PodcastIs This for Kids PodcastThank you all for a GREAT Season 4! Looking forward to seeing you in Season 5!pizzasidehugs@gmail.com2025-01-2726 minPizza & Side HugsHow to Get People to Show UpWe think it's fair to say that we've all been there...you have a heart for ministry and are excited to serve the young people in the parish, but you can't seem to get them to show up. In this episode, the Pizza and Side Hugs team shares some stories and some laughs while talking about different strategies to recruiting people to ministry. Intro (0:13) When is a time you’ve been surprised by a turnout for youth ministry? (1:27)Relationships (8:15)Adequate Time and High...2025-01-0747 min
Pizza & Side HugsPreparing Seniors for CollegeAll good things must come to an end, which means that eventually students leave our youth ministry program. The first semester out of high school is a big transition as students begin college, working, a gap year, or esthetician school. In this slice, the Pizza and Side Hugs team dives into what it looks like to support your youth ministry students into this new phase of life. pizzasidehugs@gmail.com2024-12-3120 min
Pizza & Side HugsFundraising for Youth MinistryLet's talk about fundraising! In this slice, the team talks about the joys and struggles of fundraising. For most people, it can be a bit of a thorn in our side, but there are ways to make it better! Listen in to get some ideas on how revamp your fundraising style. pizzasidehugs@gmail.com2024-12-1720 min
Pizza & Side HugsEaster Mondays: Following Up from Profound YM ExperiencesPutting on big events can be daunting, but sometimes even more daunting is the "what next?" conversation. In this episode, the Pizza and Side Hugs team talks about what it looks like to follow up after an encounter. Big Picture: What do we mean when we say “profound YM experiences” and why do we have these? (1:40)Challenges of Following Up (10:54)Why is it Worth It to Follow Up? (21:14)What Does Effective Follow-Up Look Like? (29:25)Conclusion (42:17)What...2024-12-0343 min
Pizza & Side HugsYouth Ministry EDCDo you ever find yourself wondering what you should have in your back pocket as a youth minister? In this episode, the team begins to scratch the surface with items that are helpful to carry with you as a youth minister. Promises for many links were made in the episode, but sadly, there is not enough character space. Below are the most niche links!What did we miss? What is the unique YM tool that you always bring with you?Power Point ClickerG...2024-11-1924 min
Pizza & Side HugsFall Over Summer TripsSo you wanna take your youth group on a trip this summer...awesome! Summer trips can be a huge undertaking and cause some stress, so in this slice, the team covers some helpful tips and tricks for easing the worry that comes with summer trips. Listen in and hear why it might be best to start planning now! Reach out with your thoughts! We'd love to hear 'em :)pizzasidehugs@gmail.comVolunteer Episode: https://pizzasidehugs.buzzsprout.com/697273/episodes/15101244-recruiting-a-teampizzasidehugs@gmail.com2024-11-1217 min
Pizza & Side HugsStudent LeadershipAre you trying to figure out how to empower the teens in your youth ministry program more? You might be asking questions like "How can I form youth leaders?" or "What does solid youth leadership look like?" These are great questions and one that deserve an answer. In this week's episode, the team dives into examples of what they have seen for youth formation. Listen in to get some answers to these great questions. Intro (0:47) What is something you got asked to lead as a YM leader that was unique or not qu...2024-11-0542 minPizza & Side HugsVolunteer OnboardingIn this episode, the team tackles what it looks like to onboard volunteers. You may have the commitment that people are willing to volunteer, but now you might be thinking "what next?". Learn about getting your volunteers plugged in and rolling, from the first year newbie to the tenth year veteran. Intro (1:15) Do you have your own volunteering experience that stands out as especially well done? (4:20)Big Picture: What’s the Long Game for your volunteers? (3:40)Team Meeting or Orientation (5:38)Ext...2024-10-2140 min
Pizza & Side HugsPerfect Parent MeetingIn this week's episode, the Pizza and Side Hugs team covers parent meetings. You may have some questions about what it can look like to run a successful parent meeting, how to take first steps in building a relationship to be able to partner with parents, and how to encourage attendance. In this short slice, hear about all that and more! Intro Slice (0:30)What’s Tough About Parent Meetings? (1:18)Conclusion (16:33)Parents listening, tell us what you want out of a youth ministry meeting? What sh...2024-08-1317 minPizza & Side HugsKick-Off LaunchEver wondered what an out of the park kick-off event could look like? Look no further! The Pizza and Side Hugs team is coming in this week with all the ideas when it comes to a Kick-Off Launch. Intro (0:15) What’s an all-time YM Kick-Off game you’ve played? (8:22) Big Picture: What’s the Purpose of a Kick-Off (2:00) Programming for a Kick-Off (15:00)Your Kick-Off Should Set You Up for Future Gatherings (20:03) Promoting your Kick-Off (27:42 ) Conclusion (35:55) Let us know w...2024-07-1637 min
Pizza & Side HugsCalendar Pro TipsCalendar Pro TipsSeason 4, Episode 10Around the Horn (0:45) When do you put out a calendar? (1:37)Design (8:12) Calendar Consistency/Rhythms of Calendaring (10:05)Sanity Check/Ministry Check (14:18) Conclusion (17:17) Send us a screenshot of your calendar so we can get good ideas or judge it hard. We will also accept screenshots of embarrassing moments in ministry. And anything that fits the tag: #loudjuliaEmail us: pizzasidehugs@gmail.compizzasidehugs@gmail.com2024-07-0218 min
Pizza & Side HugsSo You’re a New Youth MinisterSo You’re a New Youth MinisterSeason 4, Episode 5Intro (0:13) What’s a Mistake You Made Early on in Youth Ministry? (5:15)Big Picture: You Chose an Incredible Job (3:30)Quick around-the-horn about why YM is an awesome field of work.What to Know Right Away (8:20)What questions should you ask immediately? Who are the first people you meet with?What are reasonable goals for your first year?W...2024-06-2554 min
Pizza & Side HugsDiverse TeamsDiverse TeamsSeason 4, Episode 4.5In our last podcast, we talked about the principles for recruiting a great ministry team. These adults will be core to your mission. One thing we touched on briefly was the need for “the right fit” for a ministry leader. Today, we want to highlight this even deeper by talking about having diversity within your team. Julia: Diversity of ages (multigenerational) (4:00) Jake: Diversity of ethnicity and race (5:16) Rachel: Diversity of ability to connect with various student personalities (6:21) Pau...2024-06-1013 min
Pizza & Side HugsRecruiting a TeamRecruiting a TeamSeason 4, Episode 4Intro (0:05) Big Picture: We Need a Team for Good Ministry (1:30)Recruiting (9:33) Church volunteer recruiting vs. Notre Dame football recruiting operation. Find the Right Fit (17:25)Do Your Research (28:14)Consistently Reach Out (35:13) Retaining a Team Recruiting doesn’t really stop, it just changes over time. We should anticipate it taking 2-3 years for a volunteer to be fully bo...2024-05-2054 min
Pizza & Side HugsClear Labels, Full Bellies, Can’t LoseClear Labels, Full Bellies, Can’t LoseSeason 4, Episode 3.5There are two things that are absolutely essential to nearly ever youth ministry gathering: 1. Prayer. 2. Food. (1:00)Maslow’s Hierarchy (1:57)Advice for food at YM event (3:51)Allergies (8:40)Laudato Si (14:27)Conclusion (17:13) Send us a message about your youth ministry, or just send us something funny and we’ll mention you. pizzasidehugs@gmail.comAbraham Maslow: https://encrypted-tbn2.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd...2024-04-2518 min
Pizza & Side HugsEvaluating a Youth Ministry YearEvaluating a Youth Ministry YearSeason 4, Episode 3Intro (0:20) What is Feedback You’ve Received in YM That You’ll Never Forget? (1:45)Big Picture: What’s the Purpose of Evaluating? (11:47)Evaluation obviously seeks to make your ministry better, but it can feel tough to justify given everything else you have to do. Here’s why it’s important:Creates accountability for leadersAdds intention to the full process of ministryGives others a chance to share their voice about a ministry they care f...2024-04-2548 min
Pizza & Side HugsConference RankingsConference RankingsSeason 4, Episode 2.5 - A SliceWhy you should go to a Youth Minister Conference(0:35)Our top 3 youth ministry conference or professional development opportunities: (4:15)Conference LinksNotre Dame Vision: http://mcgrath.nd.edu/visionNFCYM Exchange: https://nfcym.org/featured-events/exchange/Life Teen Conference: https://lifeteen.com/events/catholic-youth-ministry-convention/ Thriveanooga: https://www.thrive.rs/thriveanooga/2024Orange: https://theorangeconference.com/John Bosco Conference: https://steubenvilleconferences.com/events/sjb/LA Congress: https://recongress.org/ National Catholic Network for Pastoral Juvenil Hispana...2024-04-0921 min
Pizza & Side HugsOvernight OverhaulIntro (0:47) Memorable Overnight Experiences (5:15)Challenges in Ministry that Includes Overnight Stays (18:15)NEW SEGMENT! Case by Case (33:41)Pete from Plainfield:I’m at a parish with a school, and there seems to be a big divide between middle school students from the school and from the parish. How do I encourage both groups to participate in youth ministry?Conclusion (41:47)Let us know what you want us to discuss! Send us something pizzasidehugs@gmail.comdpiz...2024-03-2843 min
Pizza & Side HugsStick with ScriptureSacred Scripture is the Word of God, one of the two major sources of the deposit of faith. Together with capital T Tradition, Scripture comprises the Truth of the Triune God, Jesus Christ, and the Catholic Church. But, upon graduation from youth ministry, are our students literate in Scripture? Do they know the basics of salvation history? Have they prayed with the Psalms or can they draw conclusions to big questions from Gospel parables? Can they even navigate the Bible?pizzasidehugs@gmail.com2024-03-1217 min
Pizza & Side HugsSecond Semester ScariesWhat’s consistently tough about second semester in youth ministry? Whether it is waning attendance, losing enthusiasm, prepping for big summer trips while doing everything else, calendaring for next year, or just plain burnout from a busy first semester, January- May can be often be difficult or feel overwhelming. This episode we dive into why that is and what we can do about it.Time StampsIntro (0:47) What are some of the unique nicknames we've had (5:15)Media Mentions - NEW SEGMENT!!! (11:06)Jake- Instagram account: sbmowing Paul- Book: Start...2024-02-2844 min
Pizza & Side HugsTop 5 Fundamentals To Focus on At the Start of the YearAt the start of a new year of ministry, it’s easy to get caught up in, “What’s new in your ministry?” But the fundamentals of YM should excite us even more. This episode is all about Running it Back to why you want to do this in the first place!Top 5 Fundamentals To Focus on At the Start of the YearSeeing the Kids- (6:50)Putting Yourselves in Parent’s Shoes-(17:00)Being a Companion for First Year Leaders- (27:16)Getting Ahead in Order to Be Present...2022-10-0557 minPizza & Side HugsRepost- How to get people to show up! (Episode 9 Original Run)Looking for something specific? (2:10) When No One Shows Up Stories (8:00) Getting People to Show Up to New/Different Events (10:30) Advertise Ministry Differently (Snapchat!) (14:17) Mentality of Hospitality (18:29) Advanced Notice is KEY (19:47) Syncing Ministry Calendars Straight to Phones (22:54) Who Needs to Have the Info? (24:45) Examine Your Processes (25:39) Save the Dates are Your Friend (27:25) Create "The Purple Cow" (34:34) The Ministry Stretch (Creep) (37:52) It's about the Relationship Shareables (resources)Snapchat is popular right now. Wanting to use it for ministry? Download our PDF o...2022-03-0150 minPizza & Side HugsRepost- Games! (Episode 13 Original Run)Looking for something specific? (03:22) - Failed Games (14:18)- Why we Play Games (23:25) - Things to be Aware of During Games (28:41) - Strategically Varying the Type of Games (37:35) - What if Youth Don't Want to Play (40:33) - Tactics to make your games work (47:34) - Are Prizes Needed? (52:17) - Our Favorite Games Shareables (resources) Name Game Alert! We love this game and so do the kids. Take a look at what we call Pool Noodle Smack Down.One of our all-time favorites. All you need are some groce...2022-03-011h 16Pizza & Side HugsRepost- So You Wanna be a Youth Ministry Volunteer (Episode 7 Original Run)Looking for something specific? (2:31) We have another guest: Nick Vergatos (3:13) Finding Great Volunteers (7:03) Know What You Want From Volunteers (9:40) Why it's good to avoid the term "volunteer" (10:45) Alternative words to use for those that help in ministry (13:12) "Dating" vs. "Marrying" Your Volunteers (14:43) Creating Volunteer Job Descriptions (17:16) Equipping New Volunteers (19:40) Continual Training and Orientation is Vital (20:34) DTR (Define the Relationship) With Volunteers (23:25) Volunteers Understanding Wins (24:51) Interview with Nick Vergatos (31:35) What Keeps Nick Coming Back Why he wanted to get involvedProcess of getting involvedWhy he keeps coming b...2022-03-0148 min
Pizza & Side HugsLessons from COVIDpizzasidehugs@gmail.com2021-02-0450 min
Pizza & Side HugsEpisode 4- Accompaniment in Small GroupsCheck out our great sponsor: Sock ReligiousStop wearing secular SocksEpisode DescriptionWhat is the best way to accompany young people on their faith journey? Learn the five tenets of establishing long-term small groups that every group organizer will want to share and every group leader will need to know in order to create, small effective faith groups.Episode OutlineIntro- Ministry is about People not Programs5 Principles of Small Group Leadership1. Show Up: Leaders need to be fully present.2. Partner with Pa...2020-05-1457 min
Pizza & Side HugsEpisode 3- Discipleship in Youth MinistryCheck out our great sponsor: Sock Religious. Stop wearing secular socks.Episode 03 Looking for something specific?04:10 - Discipleship is Overlooked…07:02 - Disciples Make Disciples9:50 - Ministry is about People not Programs10:41 - Holiness is Attractive 14:40- Discipleship is a journey and people are at different stages16:10- Reaching People on the Margin17:10- Problem with Confirmation Preparation being the center of YM2020-04-0148 min
Pizza & Side HugsNext Level Youth LeadersEpisode 02 - Next Level Youth LeadersDo you have emerging leaders in your youth ministry? This podcast is created for THEM! We give them ways to go beyond your ministry, based on the Scripture passage Acts 2:42. Also, you’ll find out how a prayer of fasting brought about a spouse, and how grunts are the sounds of discipleship…! Looking for something specific?00:57 - Lengthy Introductions of Podcasters7:46 - Shareable Podcast for your Youth 10:50 - Importance of Acts 2:4215:42 - Breaking of the Bread22:50 - Teaching of the Apostles...2020-02-0548 min
Pizza & Side HugsThe Reboot: The VisionWe're Back!After a short break, we're back in action with Pizza & Side Hugs, a podcast for Catholic youth ministry leaders. Whether you're a youth minister, priest, volunteer, or parent, this podcast gives you creative, joyful, and faithful resources for making disciples.Looking for something specific?01:00 - We’re SPONSORED! 03:10 - Why We’re Back09:32 - What You Can Expect to Hear10:16 - Creating a Youth Ministry Vision15:37 - If You Don’t “Think Big” Easily16:55 - How to Create a Vision & Vision Team24:19 - Define Why...2019-11-1244 min
Nonprofit OptimistNPO 009: Strategic Planning And Board Membership (Jake Teitgen, Bethlehem Farm)Today's Guest: Jake Teitgen Jake is a native Hoosier who lives in Noblesville, Indiana. Jake lives with three strong-willed and wonderful women: his wife, Alicen, and daughters, Julia & Genevieve. He graduated from Notre Dame in 2008 with a degree in marketing before starting work at Our Lady of Grace, a Catholic church in Noblesville. Jake coordinates youth ministry, young adult ministry, and communications at Our Lady of Grace. He also serves on the Board of Directors at Bethlehem Farm and has been inviting others to join him on adventures to this community in West Virginia since 2005. Nonprofit Spotlight: Bethlehem Farm Bethlehem...2017-06-1239 min