Pizza & Side Hugs
A Catholic Youth Ministry Podcast for anyone leading youth ministry. Whether you're a youth minister, parent, volunteer, priest, or student leader, you'll find this to be a great resource full of joy, experience, fun, and faithfulness.
Episodes
64 episodes
Confirmation Series: Elements of Confirmation Prep
In this episode of Pizza & Side Hugs, the hosts begin their Confirmation series by tackling the subject of Confirmation preparation. The discussion highlights key elements of this Sacramental prep, such as the true purpose and meaning of Co...
Slashers: Navigating Multiple Roles
In this episode of Pizza and Side Hug, the hosts discuss the challenges faced by youth ministers who juggle multiple roles within their ministries. Inspired by a listener's email, they explore how to balance various responsibilities, avoid the ...
Details That Matter
In this episode of the Pizza and Side Hugs, the hosts discuss the significance of details in Catholic Youth Ministry. The conversation highlights the balance between big picture thinking and the necessity of focusing on the finer details that c...
How to Say Yes
In this episode of Pizza and Side Hugs, the hosts discuss the importance of saying yes in Catholic Youth Ministry. They explore the balance between saying no and yes, emphasizing the need for discernment and trust in the Holy Spirit. The ...
How to Say No
In this episode of Pizza & Side Hugs, the hosts discuss the critical role of saying no in youth ministry. They explore the importance of setting boundaries, understanding personal capacity, and crafting clear missions to avoid burnout. The ...
Working Genius
In this episode, the hosts engage in a lively discussion about the dynamics of group projects and the concept of Working Genius. They share personal anecdotes about their experiences with group work, highlighting the challenges and successes th...
Pet Peeves
In this episode, the hosts dive into their personal pet peeves related to youth ministry, discussing common misconceptions, frustrations with presentations, challenges in event management, and the impact of youth trends. They share their experi...
Structures That Help Others Thrive
In this episode of Pizza & Side Hugs, the hosts discuss the importance of structures in youth ministry that foster team buy-in and engagement. The conversation explores how leaders can create environments that encourage their teams to thriv...
Things We've Tried
In this episode, the hosts engage in a candid discussion about their experiences in youth ministry, focusing on the failures they've encountered and the lessons learned from them. They explore various initiatives that didn't go as planned, such...
Changing Your Ministry
In this episode, the hosts explore the essentials of implementing meaningful change within youth ministry. From understanding the importance of communication to leveraging the power of piloting initiatives, you'll gain practical insights to lea...
Summer Ministry
In this week's episode of Pizza & Side Hugs, the hosts discuss all there is to know about the summertime in youth ministry. They breakdown the best strategies and goals for how to effectively cater your ministry outside of the regular minis...
Burnout
In this episode, the hosts discuss all things burnout in youth ministry. They review the causes and signs of burnout, how to address burnout, prevention strategies, and how to use communication and seek support.Chapters00:0...
Digital Evangelization
In this episode of Pizza and Side Hugs, the hosts delve into the topic of digital evangelization, exploring how technology and social media can be effectively utilized in ministry, particularly in engaging youth. They discuss the importance of ...
Forming A Witness
In this episode of Pizza and Side Hugs, the hosts discuss the power of personal witness within youth ministry and give some practical tips on how to form an effective witness. They also share stories of some memorable witness talks, as well as ...
Listen, Teach, Send
In this episode of Pizza and Side Hugs, the hosts discuss the USCCB document 'Listen, Teach, Send,' which provides a framework for youth ministry. They explore the importance of listening, teaching, and sending young people in the context of Ca...
Phone Zone
In this episode of Pizza and Side Hugs, the hosts discuss the impact of phones on youth ministry, exploring various strategies for managing phone use during ministry events. They delve into the challenges of distractions caused by phones, the p...
Partner With Parents - Pt. 3
We're doing a three-part series on one of the most important topics in youth ministry. If you want to do ministry that lasts, this is where you need to be heading with your ministry. Listen in for Part 3 of our Partner with Parents series.<...
Partner With Parents - Pt. 2
We're doing a three-part series on one of the most important topics in youth ministry. If you want to do ministry that lasts, this is where you need to be heading with your ministry. Listen in for Part 2 of our Partner with Parents series.<...
Partner with Parents - Pt. 1
We’re doing a three-part series on one of the most important topics in youth ministry. If you want to do ministry that lasts, this is where you need to be heading with your ministry. Listen in for Part 1 of our Partner with Parents series.
Youth Ministry Jubilee
In this episode, Paul, Julia, Jake and Rachel discuss the upcoming Jubilee of Hope declared by Pope Francis for 2025, emphasizing its significance for the Catholic Church and the call for youth engagement. They explore the historical context of...
How to Talk to Your Pastor
In this episode, Paul, Julia, and Jake talk about building strong, honest communication between youth ministers and pastors. They share why these relationships matter, how to navigate tough conversations with courage and humility, and offer sim...
Transitions Between Ministries
In this episode of Pizza and Side Hugs, the hosts dive into a big topic in youth ministry—transitions. They open up with some personal stories and reflections, then get into why smooth transitions really matter—especially when it comes t...
Assigning Small Groups
This Pizza & Side Hugs conversation delves into the intricacies of assigning small groups in youth ministry, exploring the challenges faced, strategies for effective group assignments, and the importance of gender dynamics. The speakers sha...
