The Leader Lounge

Chris Storms and Emily Storms
  • 5.0 (7)
  • CHRISTIANITY

The Leader Lounge Podcast helps youth leaders and parents bring the stories of Jesus to life so they can communicate the Gospel with kids in a way that is clear, compelling, and true.  Co-hosts Emily and Chris Storms are Young Life and WyldLife leaders who love Scripture and enjoy helping others grow in biblical literacy, curiosity, and confidence as they share Jesus with teenagers.  Each week, in about 20 minutes, they read a Gospel story, talk through honest questions and observations, and model how to retell that story in everyday language your kids can actually understand and remember.​ Whether you are a high school or college-age ministry leader or a parent who wants more natural Gospel conversations at home, you will walk away from every episode with a clearer picture of Jesus and practical ideas for your next Club talk, Bible study, or bedtime conversation. New episodes release every Tuesday morning, offering a light, fun, and inspirational space to deepen your love for Scripture and become a better communicator of the Gospel.

  1. 1D AGO

    Ep. 21 - The One Where We Go To Camp (Part 1)

    Send us Fan Mail I was skipping down the hallway dressed like a hamster. I'm 53 years old — and I love getting to do this 'cause it keeps me young. Camp season is here. In this special episode of The Leader Lounge, Chris and Emily  kick off a three-part series for leaders getting ready to take kids to camp. This first installment is the big-picture conversation; your walk with Jesus, thinking like a leader instead of a camper, why relationships are central, how to honor the surprise and the flow of the week, and practically what to pack and how to prepare.  Chris and Emily share their own stories from WyldLife and Young Life camps. A must-listen for first-time camp leaders, returning leaders, and anyone in youth ministry preparing kids for a week away. "When I get on the bus on the way home, I wanna be completely physically exhausted because I've gone all out the entire week being in it with kids." WHAT TO LISTEN FOR Emily's reminder to not neglect your time with the Lord during a packed camp weekPraying before camp, and during club, during the talk, all day longWhat it means to think like a leader, not a camper (especially for high school leaders)The three types of leaders: the buddy, the authoritarian, and the adult friend — and why the middle one is what kids actually needWhy Young Life calls it "leader-centered camping" and how everything at camp is designed to put leaders with kids"Pray for no wasted time," making the most of lines, walks, and in-between momentsCabin time ground rules: everyone on the floor, same level, safe space, and how to handle disclosures"OGK — Only God knows": honoring the surprise of camp without spoiling the wow factorWhy the flow of a Young Life camp week intentionally slows down toward the end of the weekBringing extras for special nights so no kid feels left outThe backpack vacuum, the goldfish, and the ants - Chris's unforgettable cabin-time storyChris's final encouragement: go all out, no matter how old you areFOR YOUTH LEADERS Build in non-negotiable time with the Lord at camp; wake up early, sit on your bunk while kids get ready for bed, whatever it takes. Camp is exhausting; lean on him more, not less.Be the adult friend, not the buddy or the authoritarian.Set cabin-time ground rules out loud the first night, including the disclosure rule ("if it's about your safety or someone else's, we have to tell someone who can help"). Don't promise total confidentiality.Honor the surprise. Don't spoil the wow factor for first-time campers — and have a conversation with your second-time campers about keeping the magic for the new ones.Walk onto the bus home physically wrecked. If you have energy left at the end of the week, you weren't all the way in it. Note: We provide links to specific resources; this is not an endorsement of the entire website, author, organization, etc. Their views may not represent our's. Contact Us: leaderlounge@gmail.com Emily's Instagram Chris' Instagram Chris' Substack - Love, Life, and Lampoonery

    20 min

  2. 1D AGO

    Ep. 23 - The One Where We Go To Camp (Part 3)

    Send us Fan Mail I'll eat every sardine in camp before I would get on the swing. The final installment of The Leader Lounge's three-part camp series brings it home. Chris and Emily walk through the rest of camp — the club room, the cabins, cabin time, all-camp events, rides, and free time — with the same practical, leader-tested thoughts. Chris talks pranks, lights-out, and respecting the cabin next door. Emily shares the journal practice that's transformed her cabin times, why she'll eat every sardine before getting on the swing, and the moment a non-believer girl walked up while she was reading her Bible in a pavilion. They wrestle with competitive events (and leaders who take it a little too far), why the gospel landing on you again as a leader matters as much as kids hearing it for the first time, and how to handle free time when you can't find your kids. A must-listen wrap-up for any leader heading to camp this summer. "Going to camp is a great way to remember." SCRIPTURE REFERENCED Philippians 2 (referenced from last episodeWHAT TO LISTEN FOR Why the energy outside the club room matters as much as what happens insideSpread out as leaders in the club room. Don't sit with your leader friendsIt's okay to tell kids (and even other areas' kids) to be quiet during the talkSpiritual warfare stories: the mystery humming at Sharptop and the strobe lights that wouldn't quit at WildLife campWhy taking notes during the club talk models something kids may have never seen beforeCabin ground rules: stay in your own cabin, respect other people's stuff, no pranks everThe water-fountain-vs-bathroom-sink debate (and the surprising truth about cabin sink water)Cabin time done well: everyone on the floor, fidget toys and journals that calm kids downEmily's confidentiality language: "We're gonna protect each other in here", with the safety caveat built inGiving second-time campers a real role: "Sit with the kid who's never heard this before"The Israelites kept forgetting, and so do we. Camp is a place to remember the gospel.Be all in at every event, wear the team color, scream for the kid being pulled across the field on a mattressThe leader's job during competitive events: be the one who can dial it downWhy no pranks, no sneaking out, and quiet-by-lights-out really matters (other cabins have morning rides)Rides as bonding: Gator Ball, the lake inflatables, bikes, the big swingChris's black eye story — and Emily's hard "no" on the swing Note: We provide links to specific resources; this is not an endorsement of the entire website, author, organization, etc. Their views may not represent our's. Contact Us: leaderlounge@gmail.com Emily's Instagram Chris' Instagram Chris' Substack - Love, Life, and Lampoonery

    22 min

  3. 1D AGO

    Ep. 22 - The One Where We Go To Camp (Part 2)

    Send us Fan Mail Anything that draws attention to you and your table, we probably just shouldn't do. Camp doesn't start when you get there — it starts the second you walk into the parking lot to get on the bus. In Part 2 of The Leader Lounge's three-part camp series, Chris and Emily Storms get specific, walking through camp trip location by location: the bus ride, welcome, leader lounge, and dining hall. They share practical tips for first-time leaders and seasoned ones — from why you should learn your bus driver's name to how to handle phone collection, why every table at the dining hall is round on purpose, and the chants/spoons/under-the-table debates that derail the family feel. Anchored in Philippians 2 and Emily's reminder that "camp is a beautiful picture of the body of Christ," this episode is essential listening for any youth ministry leader getting ready to take kids to camp. "Camp is a beautiful picture of the body of Christ." SCRIPTURE REFERENCED Philippians 2:3-7WHAT TO LISTEN FOR Why camp starts in the parking lot — meeting parents, welcoming first-time campers, and showing up with energySpread out on the bus, don't sit with all the leadersRiddles, games, and conversation starters for the ride upGet to know the bus driver's name (and keep them in a good mood)Collecting phones and meds: Ziploc bags, Sharpies, and the legendary "wrong box" prank on the ride homeThe moment you roll into camp; check-in, cookies, soda, and the bus loop welcomeMove kids forward toward program; don't worry about luggage (work crew has it)Why someone needs to sweep the bus for forgotten pillows and gear (Chris' 3-hour lesson)The leader lounge: a real space for you to rest, take calls, and meet for prayer with your areaShow up to leader meetings before the meeting startsWhy everything at camp is a surprise, and how to handle schedule photos respectfullyRound tables on purpose: recreating family-style meals for kids who don't get that at homeFill your kids' waters first; sit with your back to the stageReading Philippians 2 to set the tone for humilityWhy chants, happy birthday songs, spoons, and diving under the table for dessert undercut the family vibeMatch (and exceed) program's energy when they're up on stage — do the motions, scream the songsSeating charts: hold them loosely. "Every kid who sits at your table is your kid."Note: We provide links to specific resources; this is not an endorsement of the entire website, author, organization, etc. Their views may not represent our's. Contact Us: leaderlounge@gmail.com Emily's Instagram Chris' Instagram Chris' Substack - Love, Life, and Lampoonery

    23 min

  4. 2D AGO

    Ep. 20 - The One Where Jesus Feeds 5000 [Mark 6:30-44]

    Send us Fan Mail The people chose to stay in the desolate place with Jesus rather than somewhere else without him. What happens when an exhausted, grieving Jesus is interrupted by a crowd of thousands? In this episode of The Leader Lounge, Chris and Emily read the feeding of the 5,000 across all four Gospels (Matthew 14, Mark 6, Luke 9, John 6) — the only miracle besides the resurrection that shows up in every Gospel. They notice what each writer chose to include: the desolate place, the green grass, the barley loaves, the boy who actually owned the food. Chris and Emily unpack why the people walked away from comfort to sit in a deserted place just to be near Jesus, why Jesus chose to use a little boy in a culture that didn't count women or children, and what it means that he made twelve baskets of leftovers when he didn't need to use the loaves and fish at all.  "Jesus can take anything, the smallest amount, and when we bring it to him and lay it at his feet, he can do anything he wants with it." SCRIPTURE REFERENCED Matthew 14:13-21Mark 6:30-44Luke 9:10-17John 6:1-15WHAT TO LISTEN FOR The shared language across Matthew, Mark, and Luke — "a desolate place"What's happening right before the miracle: the disciples returning from ministry, exhausted, and the news that John the Baptist had just been beheadedJesus being interrupted again — and choosing compassion over restEmily's insight: the people left their food and homes to sit in the desolate place because Jesus was thereJohn's unique detail — the little boy with five barley loaves and two fishWhy John's account has Jesus initiating the conversation about foodJesus blesses the food and looks up to heaven before multiplying itWhy Jesus chose to use the disciples and the boy when he didn't need them at allEmily's theory on what the 12 baskets of leftovers were really forAnother example of Jesus honoring the overlooked — women, children, and now a young boy in a patriarchal cultureWhy "feeling inadequate" is exactly the right place to be when God wants to use youFOR YOUTH LEADERS Try reading a Gospel story in all four (or all three Synoptic) accounts with your campaigners or small group. Have kids notice what each writer chose to include — it builds Bible literacy fast.Use this story when a kid (or a leader) feels like they don't have enough to offer. Jesus takes the small thing, blesses it, and multiplies it — but he wants to include us in the work.Notice the pattern Chris highlights: Jesus is interrupted, exhausted, and grieving — and still serves. That's a model for ministry seasons when you're running on fumes.Point out the boy. In a culture that didn't count women or children, Jesus chose to use a kid. That's a powerful reminder of how God sees the young leaders in your ministry. NEXT WEEK ON THE LOUNGE A new kind of episode — the start of a three-part series on camp. Practical wisdom for Young Life and WyldLife leaders getting ready to take kids to camp this summer. Note: We provide links to specific resources; this is not an endorsement of the entire website, author, organization, etc. Their views may not represent our's. Contact Us: leaderlounge@gmail.com Emily's Instagram Chris' Instagram Chris' Substack - Love, Life, and Lampoonery

    21 min

  5. MAY 12

    Ep. 19 - The One About A Woman Caught in Adultery [John 7:53–8:11]

    Send us Fan Mail Jesus bends down, writes in the dirt, and gives a shamed woman her dignity back — then does the same for her accusers. What do you do with a story that doesn't even appear in the earliest manuscripts? In this episode of The Leader Lounge, Young Life leaders Chris and Emily Storms walk through the woman caught in adultery (John 7:53–8:11) — starting with why your Bible has that little note above it, and why the church has still treated it as canon. They unpack the trap the scribes and Pharisees set, the dignity Jesus gives the woman simply by bending down and writing in the dirt, and the dignity he gives her accusers by not looking up as they walk away. Chris and Emily wrestle with the tension of "neither do I condemn you" and "go and sin no more" — grace and truth in the same breath. A rich conversation for youth ministry leaders, parents, and anyone teaching kids how to hold both compassion and the call to holiness. SCRIPTURE REFERENCED John 7:53–8:11Deuteronomy 22:20–24WHAT TO LISTEN FOR Why most Bibles have a footnote above this passage — and why it's still in the canonSetting the scene: the temple, the feast, Nicodemus, and Jesus spending the night on the Mount of OlivesWhat the scribes and Pharisees were really after — a charge against Jesus, not justice for the womanThe detail Chris notices: they brought the woman, but conveniently left the manWhy Jesus bending down to write in the dirt may have been an act of dignity — taking every eye off the womanThe line that flips the room: "Let him who is without sin among you be the first to throw a stone at her"Insight on Jesus bending down a second time — giving dignity to the accusers as they walk awayWhy the older ones leave first — wisdom, or willingness to admit they've sinned?A pattern of Jesus and women: the bleeding woman, the woman at the well, and now this oneWhy Jesus asks her a question he already knows the answer toHolding grace and truth together: "Neither do I condemn you. Go, and from now on, sin no more."A practical teaching tip from Chris: act it out when you tell this story to kidsFOR YOUTH LEADERS When you tell this story to kids, act it out — actually bend down and "write" in the dirt. It changes how the room feels the moment.Don't stop at "Jesus loves you." Teach the full line: "Neither do I condemn you. Go and sin no more." Grace and truth belong together.Notice who Jesus protects in the story — not just the woman, but the accusers too. That's a powerful model for how we handle a kid's confession or a hard moment in campaigners.If you teach the manuscript footnote honestly, you build trust. Kids can handle the question "why is this in my Bible?" — and your honest answer makes Scripture more credible to them, not less. NEXT WEEK ON THE LOUNGE The feeding of the 5,000 — see you next Tuesday. Note: We provide links to specific resources; this is not an endorsement of the entire website, author, organization, etc. Their views may not represent our's. Contact Us: leaderlounge@gmail.com Emily's Instagram Chris' Instagram Chris' Substack - Love, Life, and Lampoonery

    16 min

  6. MAY 5

    Ep. 18 - The One Where Jesus Calls A Tax Collector Named Matthew [Mark 2:13-17]

    Send us Fan Mail The outsider becomes the host to more outsiders — what Matthew's calling teaches us about reaching kids far from Jesus. What happens when Jesus walks up to the most hated guy in town and says, "Follow me"? In this episode of The Leader Lounge,  Chris and Emily Storms return to their original format — reading the calling of Matthew across all three Synoptic Gospels (Matthew 9, Mark 2, Luke 5) and getting curious about the details. They unpack why tax collectors were so despised, what Matthew actually "left" when he got up from the booth, and why the party at his house is one of the most beautiful pictures of mission in the Gospels. Chris also shares how this story shapes the way he answers parents and church folks who question why Young Life spends time with kids who aren't already in church. A perfect listen for youth ministry leaders, parents, and anyone who wants to read Scripture with fresh eyes. "Where else are they gonna hear about Jesus?" SCRIPTURE REFERENCED Matthew 9:9-13Mark 2:13-17Luke 5:27-32 WHAT TO LISTEN FOR The setting in Capernaum and what was happening just before Matthew's call (hint: the paralytic)Why tax collectors were hated — siding with Rome and overcharging their own peopleWhat Matthew actually "left" when he got up from the tax boothThe echo of Peter, Andrew, James, and John leaving their boats behind"The outsider becomes the host to more outsiders" — Matthew's house party as mission strategyThe tension Matthew would have created among the disciples (especially Simon the Zealot)Emily's insight on how Jesus expands his reach by calling people with different spheres of influenceThe Young Life leadership tree and how discipleship multipliesWhy Luke uniquely adds the word "repentance" — and why repentance still matters when we share the gospelHow this story answers the parent or church member who asks, "Why are you spending time with those kids?"The irony of Jesus' line about the sick needing a physician — and why it likely went over the Pharisees' headsFOR YOUTH LEADERS Use this story as your answer when parents or church folks question why your ministry pursues kids who don't look "churchy" yet — Matthew's house is the model.Try Chris and Emily's practice with your campaigners or small group: read the same story in all three Synoptics side-by-side and notice what each writer chose to include.Don't shy away from repentance when you share the gospel. Luke makes a point of including it — "repent and believe" is part of the good news, not a softer add-on.Think about your own "Matthew" — the kid in your sphere whose friend group you'd never reach without them. Pray for that kid by name this week.NEXT WEEK ON THE LOUNGE Religious leaders try to trap Jesus by dragging a woman caught in the act of adultery to Jesus and asking him what should happen to her. Note: We provide links to specific resources; this is not an endorsement of the entire website, author, organization, etc. Their views may not represent our's. Contact Us: leaderlounge@gmail.com Emily's Instagram Chris' Instagram Chris' Substack - Love, Life, and Lampoonery

    15 min

  7. APR 28

    Ep. 17 - The One About Two Lost Sons and A Party [Luke 15:11-32]

    Send us Fan Mail Two lost sons, one running father, and a party you might be missing. What if the parable of the Prodigal Son isn't really about one lost son — but two? In this episode of The Leader Lounge, Chris and Emily Storms dig into Luke 15:11-32 and unpack the story Jesus told the Pharisees about a reckless younger brother, a self-righteous older brother, and a father who ran to them both. They walk through the "came to himself" moment in the pig field, the scandal of a Middle Eastern father hiking up his robe to sprint, and the part of the story where Jesus abruptly stops. Perfect for youth ministry leaders, parents, and anyone wrestling with grace, religion, and what it really means to come home. "One brother left in rebellion, but the other stayed in religion. Both were lost. Both were pursued." SCRIPTURE REFERENCED Luke 15:11-32 (Parable of the Prodigal Son)Luke 15:1-2 (the audience: tax collectors, sinners, Pharisees, scribes)Luke 15:1-10 (context: Lost Sheep and Lost Coin)WHAT TO LISTEN FOR Emily's simple definition of a parable and why Jesus used them.Who Jesus was really talking to in Luke 15 — and why it matters.What the younger son was really saying when he asked for his inheritance early.A working definition of sin — using the Father's gifts while rejecting the Father.Why a Jewish audience would have heard "feeding pigs" as rock bottom."When he came to himself" — the realization moment before repentance.The father watching the horizon: a picture of a God who pays attention.In that culture, men didn't run — the scandal of the sprinting father.The robe and the ring: full restoration, heir status, back in the family.Part 2: the older brother standing outside the party, refusing to come in.Why Jesus stops the story mid-scene and leaves it unfinished.A warning for lifelong church kids: don't miss the party by keeping score.RESOURCES/LINKS MENTIONED "When God Ran" by Benny Hester (1985) – The song Chris mentions about the father running to the prodigal son FOR YOUTH LEADERS Great club talk hook: end the story with the question, "Are you in the party?"Use this parable alongside the Lost Sheep and Lost Coin (Luke 15:1-10) to show the escalating stakes of what's "lost."When teaching kids, clarify up front that a parable is a story Jesus told to illustrate a point — there was no actual father or son.Name the two ways people get lost: rebellion (younger son) and religion (older son). Both need grace.NEXT WEEK ON THE LOUNGE Join us next Tuesday as we continue through the stories of Jesus — and look for some youth-ministry-focused conversations mixed in alongside our Bible stories. Note: We provide links to specific resources; this is not an endorsement of the entire website, author, organization, etc. Their views may not represent our's. Contact Us: leaderlounge@gmail.com Emily's Instagram Chris' Instagram Chris' Substack - Love, Life, and Lampoonery

    19 min

  8. APR 21

    Ep. 16 - The One About A Wee Little Man Named Zacchaeus [Luke 19:1-10]

    Send us Fan Mail The hated tax collector thought he was hunting Jesus down. Turns out Jesus was the one doing the seeking. Zacchaeus climbed a sycamore tree just to catch a glimpse of Jesus passing through Jericho — but when Jesus stopped, looked up, and called him by name, everything changed. In this episode of The Leader Lounge, Young Life leaders Chris and Emily Storms walk through Luke 19:1-10 and one of the most surprising encounters in the Gospels: a hated chief tax collector, a short man in a leafy tree, and a Savior who invites Himself to dinner. Along the way they talk about Jericho's biblical history, why the rich young ruler from the previous chapter makes such a striking contrast, and practical ways to teach this story to kids at club or camp. A perfect listen for youth ministry leaders, parents, and anyone who's ever felt too far gone to be found. "Zacchaeus thought he was the one looking for Jesus. But really, Jesus was coming to seek him out and to save him." WHAT TO LISTEN FOR Why the story of Zacchaeus is only found in Luke's Gospel.Jericho's long biblical history — from Joshua's marching band to Jesus passing through.Setting the scene like a parade: crowds, a road, and one short man desperate to see.Why verse 3 matters — Zacchaeus was seeking to see who Jesus was, not what He could do.Context: Jesus healed the blind beggar right before this (Luke 18:35-43).What a chief tax collector really was, and why Zacchaeus was hated as a traitor.Contrasting Zacchaeus with the rich young ruler — two very different responses to Jesus.The interruptible life of Jesus — He always made time for the people who needed Him.The sycamore tree's leaves gave Zacchaeus a place to hide, until Jesus looked up.Fruit of repentance: radical generosity, restoring fourfold, salvation at his house.Luke 19:10 sums up the whole mission of Jesus: "The Son of Man came to seek and to save the lost."Why being called "a son of Abraham" matters — for Zacchaeus and for us. FOR YOUTH LEADERS Teaching tip: use a visual — a branch, a prop tree, even a chair the speaker climbs — to help kids remember the moment Jesus looked up.Great talk question: "What are you risking to see who Jesus is?"Pair this story with the rich young ruler (Luke 18:18-30) to contrast two responses to Jesus.Point out the crowd's reaction ("they all grumbled") as a launch point for talking about being in the world but not of it. SCRIPTURE REFERENCED Luke 19:1-10 (Zacchaeus) Luke 18:18-30 (the rich young ruler) Luke 18:35-43 (Jesus heals the blind beggar near Jericho) Joshua 6 (the fall of Jericho) NEXT WEEK ON THE LOUNGE Join us next Tuesday as we dig into one of Jesus' most famous parables — the story of the Prodigal Son in Luke 15. Note: We provide links to specific resources; this is not an endorsement of the entire website, author, organization, etc. Their views may not represent our's. Contact Us: leaderlounge@gmail.com Emily's Instagram Chris' Instagram Chris' Substack - Love, Life, and Lampoonery

    19 min
See All (24)

Trailer

Ratings & Reviews

5
out of 5
7 Ratings

About

The Leader Lounge Podcast helps youth leaders and parents bring the stories of Jesus to life so they can communicate the Gospel with kids in a way that is clear, compelling, and true.  Co-hosts Emily and Chris Storms are Young Life and WyldLife leaders who love Scripture and enjoy helping others grow in biblical literacy, curiosity, and confidence as they share Jesus with teenagers.  Each week, in about 20 minutes, they read a Gospel story, talk through honest questions and observations, and model how to retell that story in everyday language your kids can actually understand and remember.​ Whether you are a high school or college-age ministry leader or a parent who wants more natural Gospel conversations at home, you will walk away from every episode with a clearer picture of Jesus and practical ideas for your next Club talk, Bible study, or bedtime conversation. New episodes release every Tuesday morning, offering a light, fun, and inspirational space to deepen your love for Scripture and become a better communicator of the Gospel.

Information

  • Creator
    Chris Storms and Emily Storms
  • Years Active
    2025 - 2026
  • Episodes
    24
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2026 Chris Storms
  • Show Website
    The Leader Lounge