Pizza & Side Hugs

Julia Eckrich, Paul Sifuentes, Rachel Gilman, & Jake Teitgen
  • 4.8 (6)
  • CHRISTIANITY
  • UPDATED SEMIMONTHLY

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.

  1. Pet Peeves

    5D AGO

    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. Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Youth Ministry Pet Peeves 02:00 Common Misconceptions in Youth Ministry 06:30 Frustrations with Presentations and Communication 11:15 Challenges with Event Management 18:10 Youth Trends and Their Impact 25:18 Final Thoughts and Listener Engagement Links email: pizzasidehugs@gmail.com pizzasidehugs@gmail.com

    26 min
  2. Structures That Help Others Thrive

    APR 28

    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. Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Youth Ministry Conversations 02:30 Examples of Just Showing Up 12:13 Exploring Team Buy-In and Structures 18:11 Balancing Leadership and Team Needs 20:31 Casting Vision for Youth Ministry 22:45 Setting High Expectations and Individual Gifts 28:02 Creating Leadership Opportunities in Ministry 32:13 Building a Thriving Ministry Culture 35:58 The Importance of Structure and Support 40:02 Tailoring Leadership Development for Youth 43:59 Checking In and Adjusting Expectations 47:54 Partnering for Ministry Success Links Prior 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/lrcw pizzasidehugs@gmail.com

    53 min
  3. Things We've Tried

    APR 14

    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. Chapters 00:00 Introduction and Theme Song Discussion 01:43 The Nature of Youth Ministry Conversations 02:42 Sharing Failures in Ministry 03:00 The Secret Service Ministry Idea 06:00 Packing Blessing Bags Experience 08:06 Saturday Night Live Event Attempt 10:04 Overnight Middle School Retreat Challenges 11:59 The Jake Show Revelation 14:04 New Student Ambassador Program 16:45 Retreat Planning Failures 18:56 Learning from Failures in Ministry Links Doug Theme Song: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=d3o_WBboezw Campference: https://archindyym.com/campference One Bread One Cup: https://www.saintmeinrad.edu/youth/summer-conferences/ pizzasidehugs@gmail.com

    21 min
  4. Changing Your Ministry

    MAR 31

    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. Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Change in Youth Ministry 03:04 Personal Reflections on Change 05:57 Understanding the Need for Change 08:30 Communicating Change Effectively 11:30 Engaging Stakeholders in Change 14:55 Effective Communication Strategies for Change 19:20 Positive Framing of Changes 23:10 The Importance of Piloting Changes 24:30 Identifying Stakeholders and Addressing Concerns 29:24 Engaging Families and Volunteers 32:40 Navigating Different Approaches to Change 33:00 Evaluating the Need for Change 39:01 Timing and Planning for Change 41:07 Campference Insights and Community Engagement Links One Bread One Cup: https://www.onebreadonecup.com/ Campference Sign Up: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/catholic-youth-ministry-campference-2026-tickets-1419338883809?aff=oddtdtcreator pizzasidehugs@gmail.com

    43 min
  5. Summer Ministry

    MAR 17

    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! Chapters 00:00 Introduction and Icebreakers 02:15 Understanding Summer in Youth Ministry 04:20 Big Picture Strategies for Summer 07:00 Evaluating and Planning for the Next Year 10:16 Recruitment and Building Relationships 14:50 Tangible Ideas for Summer Activities 22:30 Balancing Rest and Ministry 24:00 Final Thoughts and Encouragement Links Stephen Covey's Big Rocks Analogy - https://www.franklincovey.com/the-7-habits.html Youth Ministry Resources and Ideas - https://pizzasidehugs.gmail.com pizzasidehugs@gmail.com

    26 min

  6. MAR 3

    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. Chapters 00:00 Introduction and Guest Credibility 01:25 Personal Stories and Off-Season Activities 06:00 Understanding Burnout: Causes and Signs 08:30 The Three Main Causes of Burnout 17:15 Self-Reflection and Addressing Burnout 24:01 Feeling Emotions and Seeking Support 29:30 Practical Strategies to Prevent and Address Burnout 39:07 Communication and Support in Ministry 45:10 When to Consider Taking a Break 50:04 Faith, Sacraments, and Professional Help 59:54 Closing Remarks and Resources Links Catholic Assessments (Myers-Briggs, CliftonStrengths, Working Genius) - https://www.archindy.org/assessment-tools Catholic Therapists Directory - https://www.archindy.org/therapy Archdiocese Counseling Services - https://www.archindy.org/counseling Spiritual Direction Resources - https://www.archindy.org/spiritualdirection pizzasidehugs@gmail.com

    1h 1m
  7. Digital Evangelization

    12/09/2025

    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. Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Digital Evangelization 02:43 Understanding Digital Tools in Ministry 05:45 The Balance of Technology and Personal Connection 10:04 Engaging Youth Through Digital Media 15:05 Best Practices for Digital Evangelization 23:24 Highlighting Successful Digital Ministries 28:44 Conclusion and Call to Action Links ECLifeteen at Resurrection/ St. Paul, Ellicott City, MD: https://www.instagram.com/eclifeteen/ pizzasidehugs@gmail.com

    29 min

  8. 11/25/2025

    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. Chapters 00:00 Introduction to the Power of Witness in Ministry 02:08 Memorable Witness Talks and Their Impact 10:00 Forming Effective Witnesses 18:45 The Role of Mentorship in Witness Preparation 24:00 The Power of Personal Witness 30:10 Best Practices for Preparing Witness Talks 39:45 Witness as a Way of Life Links Book: Witness By Leonard DeLorenzo https://www.leonardjdelorenzo.com/witness Proclaiming the Faith – “Talking Tacos” witness-formation packet  (no idea) Marian University “Preach All Ways” Initiative  https://www.marian.edu/faith/preach-all-ways 4-Part Personal Testimony Outline  (seems to be a resource paul and jake have) Contact: pizzasidehugs@gmail.com pizzasidehugs@gmail.com

    43 min
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Ratings & Reviews

4.8
out of 5
6 Ratings

About

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.

Information

  • Creator
    Julia Eckrich, Paul Sifuentes, Rachel Gilman, & Jake Teitgen
  • Years Active
    2019 - 2026
  • Episodes
    58
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2026 Pizza & Side Hugs
  • Show Website
    Pizza & Side Hugs

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