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Pizza & Side Hugs

Pizza & Side Hugs

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

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Episodes

63

Latest episode

Aug 2026

Language

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.

Listen to episodes

60 recent
August 4, 2026Episode 1144 min

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 comparison trap, and maintain a positive mindset. In this conversation, the speakers discuss the challenges of managing multiple roles in ministry, emphasizing the importance of prioritizing tasks, setting boundaries, and effective communication with supervisors. They explore the balance between pursuing new ideas and maintaining existing responsibilities, as well as the necessity of letting go of certain projects to allow for growth. Listen now!Chapters00:00 Welcome Back and Listener Engagement02:20 Balancing Multiple Ministries06:02 Mindset for Slashers in Ministry08:58 Setting Priorities and Realistic Goals12:00 Techniques for Managing Multiple Roles14:50 The Value of Versatility in Ministry21:56 Focusing on Priorities in Ministry23:21 Navigating Expectations and Boundaries24:30 The Art of Saying Yes and No27:51 Dreams vs. Reality in Ministry30:45 Letting Go for Growth34:40 Identifying Unjust Expectations39:21 Effective Communication with SupervisorsLinksWorking Genius: https://www.workinggenius.com/"Working Genius" episode: https://www.buzzsprout.com/697273/episodes/19212883"How to Say No" episode: https://www.buzzsprout.com/697273/episodes/19296875"Recruiting a Team" episode: https://www.buzzsprout.com/697273/episodes/15101244"Volunteer Onboarding" episode: https://www.buzzsprout.com/697273/episodes/15643596pizzasidehugs@gmail.com

July 7, 2026Episode 1053 min

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 can enhance the overall experience for participants. They emphasize the role of checklists and systems in managing details effectively, as well as the impact of these details on the overall quality of ministry. The discussion also highlights the importance of recruiting individuals who excel in detail-oriented tasks to enhance organizational efficiency.Chapters00:00 Introduction to Catholic Youth Ministry Podcast02:58 The Importance of Details in Youth Ministry05:15 Personal Experiences with Missing Details10:35 Big Picture vs. Details in Ministry12:00 Setting the Scene for Events15:00 Creating a Welcoming Environment17:49 Volunteer Engagement and Responsibilities18:53 The Importance of Communication Before and After Events21:03 Technology and Event Preparation24:37 Backup Plans and Contingency Strategies26:45 The Role of Checklists in Event Planning30:15 Prioritizing Details in Ministry34:39 Creating Systems for Detail Management39:43 Standardizing Event Checklists44:32 The Impact of Details on Ministry Quality48:52 Recruiting Detail-Oriented Individuals51:32 The Role of Details in Effective MinistryLinkspizzasidehugs@gmail.com

June 23, 2026Episode 921 min

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 conversation includes examples of successful initiatives that emerged from saying yes, the significance of piloting new ideas, and the role of parent involvement in ministry. The hosts also highlight the importance of communicating the reasons behind their decisions to foster understanding and support within the community.Chapters00:00 Introduction to Saying Yes in Ministry03:12 The Importance of Discernment in Ministry05:53 Piloting New Ideas and Events08:49 Building Community Through Upperclassmen Engagement11:47 Saying Yes to Challenging Ideas14:59 The Role of Parent Involvement17:50 Communicating the Reasons Behind Our Yes21:08 Conclusion and Invitation for Listener EngagementLinksListen to more episodes: https://pizzasidehugs.buzzsprout.compizzasidehugs@gmail.com

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

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