Pizza & Side Hugs

Hosted by Julia Eckrich, Paul Sifuentes, Rachel Gilman, & Jake Teitgen

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Episodes

Latest episode

Jun 2026

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EN-US

About the show

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.

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60 recent

June 9, 2026Episode 825 min

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 conversation delves into how to navigate complaints and emotional responses, redirect ideas effectively, and the role of pastors in supporting youth ministers. The episode emphasizes that saying no is not just about rejecting ideas but about maintaining a healthy and sustainable ministry.Chapters00:00 The Importance of Saying No in Youth Ministry02:54 Understanding Personal Boundaries and Capacity05:59 Crafting Clear Missions and Goals08:56 Navigating Complaints and Emotional Responses12:10 Redirecting Ideas and Encouraging Leadership22:10 The Role of Pastors in Youth MinistryLinksListen to more episodes of Pizza & Side Hugs: https://www.buzzsprout.com/admin/697273/episodespizzasidehugs@gmail.com

May 26, 2026Episode 740 min

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 they faced. The conversation transitions into an exploration of the Working Genius framework, which categorizes different types of work styles and strengths. The conversation also highlights practical applications of the Working Genius framework in organizing work, enhancing team dynamics, and fostering a supportive environment in ministry. Listen now!Chapters00:00 Introduction and New Beginnings03:09 Group Projects: Memories and Experiences09:07 Understanding Working Genius15:03 The Six Geniuses of Working Genius20:24 Applying Working Genius in Ministry Settings24:20 Organizing Work for Sustainability29:25 Team Dynamics and Working Genius38:51 Getting Involved with Working GeniusLinksWorking Genius: https://www.workinggenius.com/pizzasidehugs@gmail.com

May 12, 2026Episode 626 min

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 experiences and invite listeners to engage with their own pet peeves, creating a light-hearted yet insightful conversation about the realities of youth ministry.Chapters00:00 Introduction to Youth Ministry Pet Peeves02:00 Common Misconceptions in Youth Ministry06:30 Frustrations with Presentations and Communication11:15 Challenges with Event Management18:10 Youth Trends and Their Impact25:18 Final Thoughts and Listener EngagementLinksemail: pizzasidehugs@gmail.compizzasidehugs@gmail.com

April 28, 2026Episode 552 min

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 thrive, emphasizing the balance between understanding team members' personal lives and the vital nature of ministry work. They discuss how to create a thriving ministry culture by setting clear expectations, providing support, and fostering individual growth among team members. The conversation highlights the significance of checking in with leaders, adjusting expectations, and partnering for success in ministry.Chapters00:00 Introduction to Youth Ministry Conversations02:30 Examples of Just Showing Up12:13 Exploring Team Buy-In and Structures18:11 Balancing Leadership and Team Needs20:31 Casting Vision for Youth Ministry22:45 Setting High Expectations and Individual Gifts28:02 Creating Leadership Opportunities in Ministry32:13 Building a Thriving Ministry Culture35:58 The Importance of Structure and Support40:02 Tailoring Leadership Development for Youth43:59 Checking In and Adjusting Expectations47:54 Partnering for Ministry SuccessLinksPrior Episodes: Working with Volunteers | Helping Volunteers Thrive | Evaluating Your Ministry | End-of-Year Evaluation https://pizzasidehugs.buzzsprout.com/ The best Antoine de Saint Exupery shirt I could find to buy for Jake: https://www.redbubble.com/i/t-shirt/Antoine-De-Saint-Exupery-by-helenacooper/178142079/lrcwpizzasidehugs@gmail.com

April 14, 2026Episode 421 min

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 as the Secret Service ministry idea, packing blessing bags, and organizing events like Saturday Night Live and overnight retreats. They they emphasize the importance of community engagement, accountability, and the need for adaptability in ministry. The conversation highlights that failure is a part of growth and that learning from these experiences can lead to future success.Chapters00:00 Introduction and Theme Song Discussion01:43 The Nature of Youth Ministry Conversations02:42 Sharing Failures in Ministry03:00 The Secret Service Ministry Idea06:00 Packing Blessing Bags Experience08:06 Saturday Night Live Event Attempt10:04 Overnight Middle School Retreat Challenges11:59 The Jake Show Revelation14:04 New Student Ambassador Program16:45 Retreat Planning Failures18:56 Learning from Failures in MinistryLinksDoug Theme Song: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=d3o_WBboezwCampference: https://archindyym.com/campferenceOne Bread One Cup: https://www.saintmeinrad.edu/youth/summer-conferences/pizzasidehugs@gmail.com

March 31, 2026Episode 342 min

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 lead your parish through transitions smoothly, ensuring ongoing engagement and growth.Chapters00:00 Introduction to Change in Youth Ministry03:04 Personal Reflections on Change05:57 Understanding the Need for Change08:30 Communicating Change Effectively11:30 Engaging Stakeholders in Change14:55 Effective Communication Strategies for Change19:20 Positive Framing of Changes23:10 The Importance of Piloting Changes24:30 Identifying Stakeholders and Addressing Concerns29:24 Engaging Families and Volunteers32:40 Navigating Different Approaches to Change33:00 Evaluating the Need for Change39:01 Timing and Planning for Change41:07 Campference Insights and Community EngagementLinksOne Bread One Cup: https://www.onebreadonecup.com/Campference Sign Up: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/catholic-youth-ministry-campference-2026-tickets-1419338883809?aff=oddtdtcreatorpizzasidehugs@gmail.com

March 17, 2026Episode 225 min

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 ministry season. Listen now for some practical steps to get your summer started!Chapters00:00 Introduction and Icebreakers02:15 Understanding Summer in Youth Ministry04:20 Big Picture Strategies for Summer07:00 Evaluating and Planning for the Next Year10:16 Recruitment and Building Relationships14:50 Tangible Ideas for Summer Activities22:30 Balancing Rest and Ministry24:00 Final Thoughts and EncouragementLinksStephen Covey's Big Rocks Analogy - https://www.franklincovey.com/the-7-habits.htmlYouth Ministry Resources and Ideas - https://pizzasidehugs.gmail.compizzasidehugs@gmail.com

March 3, 2026Episode 11 hr 0 min

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.Chapters00:00 Introduction and Guest Credibility01:25 Personal Stories and Off-Season Activities06:00 Understanding Burnout: Causes and Signs08:30 The Three Main Causes of Burnout17:15 Self-Reflection and Addressing Burnout24:01 Feeling Emotions and Seeking Support29:30 Practical Strategies to Prevent and Address Burnout39:07 Communication and Support in Ministry45:10 When to Consider Taking a Break50:04 Faith, Sacraments, and Professional Help59:54 Closing Remarks and ResourcesLinksCatholic Assessments (Myers-Briggs, CliftonStrengths, Working Genius) - https://www.archindy.org/assessment-toolsCatholic Therapists Directory - https://www.archindy.org/therapyArchdiocese Counseling Services - https://www.archindy.org/counselingSpiritual Direction Resources - https://www.archindy.org/spiritualdirectionpizzasidehugs@gmail.com

December 9, 2025Episode 2129 min

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 balancing digital presence with personal connections, the challenges of content creation, and the necessity of having clear goals and boundaries when using digital tools. The conversation highlights successful examples of digital ministries and encourages listeners to share their experiences and insights.Chapters00:00 Introduction to Digital Evangelization02:43 Understanding Digital Tools in Ministry05:45 The Balance of Technology and Personal Connection10:04 Engaging Youth Through Digital Media15:05 Best Practices for Digital Evangelization23:24 Highlighting Successful Digital Ministries28:44 Conclusion and Call to ActionLinksECLifeteen at Resurrection/ St. Paul, Ellicott City, MD: https://www.instagram.com/eclifeteen/pizzasidehugs@gmail.com

November 25, 2025Episode 2043 min

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 how to integrate mentorship into the process of writing a witness talk.Chapters00:00 Introduction to the Power of Witness in Ministry02:08 Memorable Witness Talks and Their Impact10:00 Forming Effective Witnesses18:45 The Role of Mentorship in Witness Preparation24:00 The Power of Personal Witness30:10 Best Practices for Preparing Witness Talks39:45 Witness as a Way of LifeLinksBook: Witness By Leonard DeLorenzo https://www.leonardjdelorenzo.com/witnessProclaiming the Faith – “Talking Tacos” witness-formation packet (no idea)Marian University “Preach All Ways” Initiative https://www.marian.edu/faith/preach-all-ways4-Part Personal Testimony Outline (seems to be a resource paul and jake have)Contact: pizzasidehugs@gmail.compizzasidehugs@gmail.com