Welcome back to The Almost Amazing Podcast! We are kicking off a brand-new year with some much-needed reflections on growth, digital habits, and the power of honesty. In this episode, Jennifer Dennis, Ashley Miksch, and Justin Kellough dive into their New Year's resolutions for the show—including a new bi-weekly schedule to keep things steady and sustainable. We also have a candid conversation about the "why" behind getting off TikTok, the growing challenges of AI-generated content, and why real accountability is more than just a church buzzword. Plus, Justin shares some behind-the-scenes stories (and a few spelling mishaps) from our church's latest print project. In this episode, we discuss: Setting personal and podcast boundaries for the new year. The struggle with "AI trickery" on social media. The history and impact of "Wesleyan Bands" and partner accountability. Lessons in pastoral care from the latest Knives Out movie.

Welcome to another episode of The Almost Amazing Podcast! 🎙️

This week, Jennifer and Justin dive into the chaos of the holiday season, starting with a hilarious look at their Spotify Wrapped results. From Jennifer's obsession with "Brown Noise" and "Space Music" to Justin's surprising status as a top 1% Beyoncé fan (and his K-Pop secrets), we explore what our listening habits really say about us.

But it's not all laughs and sloths—we also get real about spiritual growth. We discuss how to move past awkward small talk to have deeper, more meaningful conversations about faith. We talk about the "Crazy Tony" method of asking people what God is teaching them, and why it's more important to hear someone's life story before their theology.

In this episode, we discuss:

The Sloth Phobia: Why Zootopia triggers some awkward memories.

Spotify Wrapped Confessions: Listening ages, hipster vibes, and still being on an old church's family plan.

Seminary Lessons: Why it's more about the questions than the answers.

Meaningful Connections: How to ask "What is God teaching you?" without being aggressive.

Spiritual Transformation: A heartfelt moment reflecting on how God is working through this podcast.

Welcome to The Almost Amazing Podcast! 🎉

We're the podcast that was "supposed to be focused on parenting," but honestly, we've kind of lost the plot along the way. Hosted by Jennifer Dennis and produced by Justin Kellough, our hope is to provide encouragement and fun alongside incredible people who love Jesus.

In this chaotic and fun Episode 178, we finally address the question everyone's been asking: Where is Barnacle Bart?

What's in this (almost amazing) episode:

The Legend of Barnacle Bart: We reminisce about our highly-successful (and perhaps slightly "under the influence" looking) pirate puppet show during the pandemic. Hear how Bart, voiced by Justin using his best Mr. Krabs impression, gave deep theological answers to "kids" (who we definitely didn't make up).

Friendsgiving Chaos: We recap the recent student ministry potluck, discussing the glorious mess of parent-contributed food—from gourmet cranberry-turkey balls to the unexpected appearance of 100 Taco Bell tacos.

The Amazing Cake Delivery: Jennifer shares a heartwarming and hilarious story from her teaching days about a third-grader who brought a full birthday cake to school via public bus.

Deep Thoughts: We talk about avoiding the daily routine rut and doing things actively for God that are uncomfortable , the power of simply noticing and acknowledging people , and what we're looking forward to exploring in eternity.

If our lack of clear direction bothers you, we apologize... but no one is making you listen to this podcast!