Plugged In Podcast

Matthew Luhn
  • 5.0 (10)
  • CHRISTIANITY

Get plugged in with The Salvation Army Massachusetts Division. We want to celebrate, discuss, and share the great news coming from the youth of every corner of Massachusetts. 

  1. APR 23

    Episode 29 - LIVE @ the YAM Overnighter

    Send us Fan Mail Registration is buzzing, microphones are too hot, and we’re recording semi-live from the Youth Arts Ministry finale overnighter. Between check-ins and quick interviews, we hear the real reasons students show up year after year: friends they miss, music that challenges them, and that moment when they put the shirt on, step on stage, and somehow find confidence they didn’t have five minutes earlier. We talk with YAM students about band, worship band, chorus, solos, and timbrel drill, plus the surprisingly serious side of performing when you’re tired and nervous. Mentorship keeps coming up: older students helping younger players, leaders pushing kids past “I can’t,” and the kind of encouragement that turns fear into growth. Captain Giezi Hernandez shares what it’s like to join Mass Brass as a praise and worship drummer who never learned to read music and still says yes to the challenge. The weekend also connects to the bigger picture of Salvation Army ministry in Massachusetts. Major Jessica Berkhoudt shares the story behind opening an overnight emergency shelter in Newburyport through community collaboration and why communication matters when serving neighbors facing homelessness. If you care about youth arts, Christian music education, leadership development, or building a healthier community through ministry, this one hits all of it. Subscribe, share this with a friend who loves youth programs, and leave a review with your favorite moment.

    50 min

  2. APR 3

    Episode 28 - Easter Energy

    Send us Fan Mail A “keep it long but professional” haircut somehow turns into a mullet accusation, a panic spiral in the barber chair, and the sudden realization that you might look exactly like your dad. From there, we crank up the Easter energy and lean into the kind of joyful chaos that makes community feel like home. We kick things off with shoutouts from around the division, then drop straight into Egg Roulette: plastic eggs filled with either candy or ridiculous Holy Week themed challenges. You’ll hear famous rabbit speed rounds, a surprisingly detailed Easter Bunny conspiracy theory, a full resurrection recap told only through sound effects, and a hymn line delivered with way more Broadway than anyone expected. Then we draft the perfect Easter basket in five rounds with one steal allowed. We debate classic Easter candy like Cadbury mini eggs, Reese’s shapes, Starburst jelly beans, peeps, Nerds clusters, and the underrated move of stuffing plastic eggs with money. Finally, we slow down to reflect on what Easter means to us: Good Friday worship across multiple corps, the visuals and music that make the resurrection story real, and the transformation that Holy Week continues to invite. If you’re looking for Easter podcast content that mixes laughter, faith, Holy Week reflection, and real Salvation Army community life, press play. Subscribe, share this with a friend, and leave a review, then tell us what belongs in your ideal Easter basket.

    48 min

  3. MAR 19

    Episode 27 - We're Back!

    Send us Fan Mail 298 days is a long time to leave a microphone sitting cold, so we came back the only way we know how: a real conversation. We start with the kind of everyday honesty everyone relates to, the clutter you swear you’ll fix, the texts you forget to answer, the light switches you still hit wrong after years, and yes, the USB that never goes in correctly on the first try.  From there, we reset the rhythm with rapid-fire choices that open up bigger questions about faith and ministry in The Salvation Army Massachusetts Division. What actually helps people connect in worship: brass band music, a contemporary worship set, clear lyrics, good leadership, or the story behind the music? What forms disciples more deeply: a camp meeting altar call or a small group conversation? We also share real wins from the past year, including Youth Councils momentum, upcoming fellowship that supports a local corps, and the people who quietly make ministry happen through service, follow-through, and heart. We close by going deeper: the scripture and advice that carried us, the worship songs and brass pieces that match our lives right now, and one-word reflections on how faith has shifted toward authenticity, gratitude, and resilience. If you care about youth ministry, worship leadership, Salvation Army culture, and digital evangelism, this conversation is for you. Subscribe, share this with a friend, leave a review, and tell us: what’s your one word for this season?

    58 min

  4. 04/20/2025

    Episode 26 - Chicken Plus Jesus

    Send us Fan Mail Our March Fatness bracket finally crowns a champion as Chick-fil-A edges out Dunkin' by a mere three votes! We celebrate with a table full of fast food while dissecting what makes these chains so beloved. The secret to Chick-fil-A's success? Operational excellence, consistently delicious chicken, and a drive-thru system so efficient it should run our national elections. Meanwhile, Dunkin' has transcended being just a coffee shop to become a cultural identity marker in New England. The conversation reveals fascinating aspects of brand loyalty that go beyond product quality. We debate whether Five Guys gives too many fries (is that really a problem?), why Texas Roadhouse surprisingly dominated the sit-down category, and whether Dunkin coffee deserves its popularity. Most excitingly, Chick-fil-A actually responded to our social media post about their victory with "three cheers for chicken," launching a brief but thrilling conversation with the brand. After gorging ourselves on nuggets, fries, and milkshakes, we transition to weightier matters—Jesus' farewell message to his disciples in John 15-17. These chapters contain his final teaching before being betrayed and crucified, making them particularly significant. Central to Jesus's message is the command to "remain" or "abide" in him, like branches connected to a vine. In our distraction-filled world, the discipline of silence and solitude has become increasingly difficult yet vital for spiritual growth. As you enter the Easter season, we encourage you to read these powerful chapters and reflect on what it means to abide in Christ. How might prioritizing this relationship produce lasting fruit in your life? As Jesus himself promised just before facing the cross, "Take heart, because I have overcome the world."

    43 min

  5. 04/04/2025

    Episode 25 - The YAM Special

    Send us Fan Mail The milestone 25th episode of the Plugged In Podcast takes listeners behind the scenes of Youth Arts Ministry (YAM) in Massachusetts—a vibrant program where creativity, faith, and community intersect to develop the next generation of artistic leaders. As students prepare for their annual overnight event and finale performance, hosts Matt, Nate, and Loreita reflect on what makes YAM so special. From the digital communications class producing professional videos to the four-part harmony benediction that echoes through headquarters at the end of each gathering, YAM creates meaningful experiences that transcend typical music education. The episode highlights how this program has evolved while maintaining its core purpose of discipleship through artistic development. Particularly moving is the generational impact—former students now returning as faculty members, creating a beautiful cycle of mentorship. The hosts share lighthearted "superlative awards" for both students and faculty, revealing the deep personal connections formed throughout the season. But YAM isn't just about performances. The podcast celebrates the unseen contributions that make the program possible: divisional officers preparing homemade meals, volunteers handling setup and cleanup, and the community of support that surrounds each student. As one host reflects, "The journey is the reward"—while the finale concert provides a wonderful culmination, the real transformation happens in monthly gatherings where relationships are built and young people discover how their gifts can serve a greater purpose. Whether you're involved in arts ministry or simply curious about innovative approaches to youth development, this episode offers a heartwarming glimpse into a program that combines artistic excellence with spiritual formation. Listen now and discover why YAM has become such a beloved tradition in Massachusetts.

    41 min

  6. 03/28/2025

    Episode 24 - Part 1 - Jesus' Farewell Message & Emily Mew, Director of Emergency Disaster Services

    Send us Fan Mail What drives someone to rush toward disasters while others flee? For Emily Mew, Director of Emergency Disaster Services for The Salvation Army Massachusetts Division, it's about creating order in chaos and offering compassion when it's needed most. Having spent over a decade with The Salvation Army and four years working with children in Nicaragua, Emily brings extraordinary perspective to disaster response. From her first deployment to Hurricane Harvey with less than 24 hours' notice to walking through earthquake-damaged communities in Puerto Rico where families slept in tents outside their homes for fear of aftershocks, Emily shares what happens behind the scenes when tragedy strikes. "You're not anticipating what re-entry is going to be like until it's happening to you," Emily explains, revealing the emotional complexity responders face when returning home after witnessing communities in crisis. This "ministry of presence" - simply being there in someone's darkest moment - forms the foundation of effective disaster response. The episode opens with a humorous yet relatable parenting challenge as co-host Nate discovers his young son has made nearly $60 in unauthorized Amazon in-app purchases, prompting nostalgic reflections on how technology and responsibility have evolved since the days of Tamagotchis. Whether you're curious about emergency response, considering disaster volunteer work, or simply want to understand how faith communities mobilize during crises, this conversation offers rare insights into the people who run toward trouble rather than away from it. Subscribe now and join our new segment exploring Jesus's farewell message in John 14-17.

    37 min

  7. 03/28/2025

    Episode 24 - Part 2 - March Fatness & Jesus' Farewell Message

    Send us Fan Mail When disaster strikes, who's already on the ground providing hot meals, hydration, and a comforting presence? Emily Mew, Director of Emergency Disaster Services for the Salvation Army in Massachusetts, takes us behind the scenes of emergency response in this compelling conversation. Growing up watching her father serve as a firefighter and EMT, Emily developed a natural passion for helping others in crisis. Today, she orchestrates a network of mobile canteens strategically positioned across Massachusetts, ready to deploy at a moment's notice. These aren't just food trucks – they're command centers for hope when communities need it most. The reality of disaster work isn't what most people imagine. As Emily reveals, emergencies don't politely wait for convenient timing. They strike "all the time, anytime, in the middle of the night, on holidays," requiring responders to maintain constant readiness. This unpredictability shapes everything from family dynamics to self-care practices, with Emily noting that after days of grabbing quick snacks on deployment, she often craves simple nutrition – "I just need a salad." One of the most fascinating revelations is about "the bunker" in Framingham – an underground Cold War-era facility with curved entrance ramps designed to prevent gas penetration, massive steel doors, and even a morgue. This glimpse into disaster preparedness infrastructure highlights the decades of planning behind each emergency response. For those inspired to help, Emily explains how volunteers can easily register through the Salvation Army's database to receive training and credentials. Whether you're interested in serving meals from a canteen or supporting behind the scenes, your contribution matters to communities facing their darkest hours. Want to learn more about disaster response or get involved yourself? Visit the Salvation Army's website to discover how you can join Emily and her team in bringing practical help and emotional support when disaster strikes. Your hands could be the ones that make a difference when people need it most.

    48 min

  8. 03/14/2025

    Episode 23 - March Fatness

    Send us Fan Mail What happens when three ministry leaders confront their own relationship with hurry? In this soul-searching episode, we wrap up our study of John Mark Comer's "The Ruthless Elimination of Hurry" while candidly sharing our struggles with traffic rage, creative burnout, and the pressure to constantly produce. The contrast couldn't be more striking—discussing slowness while planning our March Fatness bracket (a food establishment tournament that has us debating whether Chick-fil-A's Sabbath observance gives their chicken divine blessing). Yet this juxtaposition perfectly captures our modern dilemma: we understand the value of rest intellectually while struggling to embody it practically. Our exploration of Sabbath reveals how this biblical practice isn't just religious obligation but revolutionary resistance against the Pharaohs of our time—those forces driving us toward perpetual productivity. We unpack how simplicity creates both physical and mental space, with one host sharing how decluttering their home led to unexpected clarity and peace. The conversation peaks with twenty practical suggestions for slowing down, from driving in the slow lane to putting your phone "to bed" before you sleep. Most powerfully, we confront how difficult it is to untangle our identities from achievement, especially in ministry where work, faith, and relationships blend together. "I have blurred the line between what I think the Salvation Army expects of me and what I expect of myself," one host confesses, revealing how deeply internalized hurry becomes. Join us for this transformative conversation that might just help you recognize that life's greatest regret isn't lacking time—it's failing to be present in the time we have. How might your relationship with God change if you followed Jesus not just in what He did, but in how He lived?

    1 hr
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Ratings & Reviews

5
out of 5
10 Ratings

About

Get plugged in with The Salvation Army Massachusetts Division. We want to celebrate, discuss, and share the great news coming from the youth of every corner of Massachusetts. 

Information

  • Creator
    Matthew Luhn
  • Years Active
    2023 - 2026
  • Episodes
    31
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2026 Plugged In Podcast
  • Show Website
    Plugged In Podcast