Ep 205: DawnChere Wilkerson: The Beauty in the Wait

Levi and Jennie take us to Bolivia for their first international podcast! From meeting sponsored children to walking through deep personal stories, this episode is a heartfelt look at missions, family, and living out the Great Commission. Hear how Compassion International is changing lives—and how you can be part of it. Connect with us on social!Compassion Intl: @compassionLevi: @leviluskoJennie: @jennieluskoFresh Life Church: @freshlife [Links]Compassion International: Compassion.com/luskoGet the 5 Gallon Bucket: https://bit.ly/sdl4sHYGet the Lusketeer Sticker: https://bit.ly/sdl4sHY Subscribe for more exclusive content: https://levilusko.com/hitl-subscribe Timestamps00:45 - The Great Commission in our DNA03:41 - Levi and Jennie’s First Missions08:19 - Sponsorship Stories19:39 - Interview with a Compassion Graduate24:29 - Call to Action31:55 - Practical Tips for Sponsoring

She’s a Disney princess and a spiritual ninja—DawnCheré Wilkerson is back! In this heartfelt convo, we talk about her new book Slow Burn, walking through infertility, how God meets us in the wait, and why journaling might just change your life. You’ll laugh, cry, and probably underline half the quotes in this one. Connect with us on social!DawnChere: @dawnchereLevi: @leviluskoJennie: @jennieluskoFresh Life Church: @freshlife [Links]Slow Burn: https://bit.ly/3HpGvPXGet the 5 Gallon Bucket: https://bit.ly/sdl4sHYGet the Lusketeer Sticker: https://bit.ly/sdl4sHY Subscribe for more exclusive content: https://levilusko.com/hitl-subscribe 08:14 – The Prayer Behind Slow Burn15:08 – Next Level Nerdy Details17:09 – Eight Years of Infertility23:28 – Journaling: Sifting Dawn’s Seasons25:01 – Discovering Infertility36:28 – Tears and Talking to God

Pastor Dino Rizzo joins Levi and Jennie for a powerful conversation on serving people at every level—from launching over 1,100 churches through ARC to bringing slippers and hope to juvenile detention centers. They talk about the heartbeat behind outreach, what makes a successful church plant, why slippers might just change the world, and the surprising secret to post-sermon peace. This one's packed with practical gold and heartfelt moments. Connect with us on social!Dino: @dinorizzoLevi: @leviluskoJennie: @jennieluskoFresh Life Church: @freshlife [Links]ARC Ministries: https://bit.ly/4jnrtHuGet the 5-Gallon Bucket: https://bit.ly/sdl4sHYGet the Lusketeer Sticker: https://bit.ly/sdl4sHY Subscribe for more exclusive content: https://levilusko.com/hitl-subscribe Timestamps:00:45 - Dino’s Montana Vibes & Ministry Appreciation02:15 - Learning from Missionary Legends & Church Outreach DNA06:28 - Why Dino’s Fired Up About Juvenile Detention Ministry12:10 - How to Start Serving in Prisons and Detention Centers18:26 - The ARC Story: Church Planting with Purpose28:45 - Post-COVID Church Trends and Outreach Evolution

Former Miss Universe Demi-Leigh Tebow returns to chat with Levi and Jennie about embracing purpose beyond titles, navigating identity shifts, and the journey to motherhood. From hilarious godparent auditions to raw reflections on surrendering her literal crown, Demi brings deep wisdom and delightful charm. Plus, she gives the inside scoop on her new children’s book, Princess Paris Finds Her Purpose, and how biltong nearly ruined Levi’s jaw. This one’s got laughs, life lessons, and lots of love. Connect with us on social!Demi: @demitebowLevi: @leviluskoJennie: @jennieluskoFresh Life Church: @freshlife [Links]Princess Paris Finds Her Purpose: https://bit.ly/4jygThNA Crown That Lasts: https://bit.ly/3YSYnbxGet the 5 Gallon Bucket: https://bit.ly/sdl4sHYGet the Lusketeer Sticker: https://bit.ly/sdl4sHY Subscribe for more exclusive content: https://levilusko.com/hitl-subscribe Timestamps08:14 – Building community after moving02:50 – Losing the crown, finding purpose03:13 – Godparent auditions begin14:18 – Pink stroller + growing together29:28 – Princess Paris & purpose for kids55:28 – Sharing the stage at Passion SA & speaking in her second language

What do you do when your past pain makes it hard to trust the people in your present? In this vulnerable and hope-filled convo, Lysa TerKeurst joins Levi and Jennie to talk about her new book, I Want to Trust You, But I Don’t, navigating red flags in relationships, and the difference between healing and hiding. They dive into emotional triggers, boundaries, marriage after betrayal, and how God meets us in the messy middle. Plus, Lysa gets real about painting, grandbabies, and Florida beach life with her new husband, Chaz. This one hits deep and might just heal a place in you. Connect with us on social!Lysa: @lysaterkeurstLevi: @leviluskoJennie: @jennieluskoFresh Life Church: @freshlife [Links]I Want To Trust You But I Don't: https://bit.ly/3EzlBfZMoving on When Your Marriage Doesn't: https://bit.ly/42E9SouGet the 5-Gallon Bucket: https://bit.ly/sdl4sHYGet the Lusketeer Sticker: https://bit.ly/sdl4sHY Subscribe for more exclusive content: https://levilusko.com/hitl-subscribe

Annie F. Downs is back, and she’s bringing the grit, the laughs, and the deep soul-stuff. From rolling ottomans up four flights of stairs to discovering how New York life reshaped her rhythms, Annie shares what it means to grow through the hard and embrace unexpected gifts from God. She opens up about her journey of grief, the heart behind her children’s book Where Did TJ Go?, and how singleness has led to a life she truly loves. It’s raw, funny, and powerfully honest. Don’t miss it! Connect with us on social!Annie: @anniefdownsLevi: @leviluskoJennie: @jennieluskoFresh Life Church: @freshlife [Links]That Sounds Fun Podcast: https://bit.ly/43YTLEqGet the 5-Gallon Bucket: https://bit.ly/sdl4sHYGet the Lusketeer Sticker: https://bit.ly/sdl4sHY Subscribe for more exclusive content: https://levilusko.com/hitl-subscribe Timestamps00:45 - Annie’s New York Life & Brick Wall Vibes02:15 - The Struggle of Rhythms in Two Cities06:00 - Prayer Rooms, Singleness & Hope for the Future10:40 - Don’t Quit in February: How to Hold On in the Storm17:00 - The Power of a 10-Minute Timer to Fight Temptation36:55 - Behind the Book: Where Did TJ Go? and Grieving With Kids

In this powerful 200th episode, Levi and Jennie Lusko sit down with the legendary TobyMac for a raw, vulnerable, and hope-filled conversation. From his earliest days with DC Talk to the crushing loss of his son Truett, Toby shares the story behind his music, his deep faith, and what it means to fight for joy amid unspeakable pain. They laugh, cry, and reflect on legacy, healing, and what “Heaven on My Mind” really means. This episode is a must-listen for anyone walking through hardship or seeking to hold onto hope. Connect with us on social!TobyMac: @tobymacLevi: @leviluskoJennie: @jennieluskoFresh Life Church: @freshlife [Links]Stream "Heaven On My Mind": https://bit.ly/4jBHnPEGet the 5 Gallon Bucket: https://bit.ly/sdl4sHYGet the Lusketeer Sticker: https://bit.ly/sdl4sHYSubscribe for more exclusive content: https://levilusko.com/hitl-subscribe Timestamps:00:45 - Celebrating 200 Episodes Live in Franklin02:15 - TobyMac’s First Concert Memories + DC Talk Origins05:30 - Why He Keeps Making Music After All These Years09:40 - The Summer Camp that Changed His Life Forever14:10 - Losing Truett: Grief, Faith, and Finding Strength19:05 - Writing “21 Years” and the Birth of Heaven on My Mind23:50 - The Story Behind “God Did It” and Waging War on Jadedness

In this candid and hilarious Q&A Livestream, Levi and Jennie Lusko tackle your most challenging and most honest questions. From navigating sex and grief in marriage to vocational ministry as a couple and even Chick-fil-A ice cream confessionals. Real talk, laughs, and wisdom on relationships, calling, and friendship. Grab a sundae (not just a metaphor), this one's rich with flavor. Connect with us on social!Levi: @leviluskoJennie: @jennieluskoFresh Life Church: @freshlife [Links]Get the 5-gallon bucket: https://bit.ly/sdl4sHYGet the Lusketeer Sticker: https://bit.ly/sdl4sHY Subscribe for more exclusive content: https://levilusko.com/hitl-subscribe Want to be on the next Q&A episode? Send us your questions! https://bit.ly/3RonhJI TIMESTAMPS01:30 - Called to Ministry? Marriage + Mission Compatibility10:45 - Jennie’s Year of Singleness & Foundation of Friendship20:30 - Building a Marriage on Sundaes, Not Just Cherries30:55 - How Grief Impacts Intimacy + Holding On Through Loss41:40 - Taco Bell, Chick-fil-A Ice Cream & Creative Date Nights52:15 - Friendships in Ministry + Trust After Betrayal

Rebecca St. James and Cubbie Fink join Levi and Jennie for an unforgettable conversation about love, faith, and trusting God’s timing. Cubbie shares the wild story of how he nearly missed his chance to take Rebecca to the airport—and how that moment became a turning point in their relationship. They also dive into their book Lasting Ever, the ups and downs of marriage, and what it means to follow God through every season of life. Connect with us on social!Rebecca + Cubbie: @rebeccast.jamesLevi: @leviluskoJennie: @jennieluskoFresh Life Church: @freshlife [Links]Order Rebecca and Cubbie's Book: https://bit.ly/3DMLVD0Get the 5 Gallon Bucket: https://bit.ly/sdl4sHYGet the Lusketeer Sticker: https://bit.ly/sdl4sHY Subscribe for more exclusive content: https://levilusko.com/hitl-subscribe Want to be on the next Q&A episode? Send us your questions! https://bit.ly/3RonhJI Timestamps:00:45 – Meeting Rebecca & Cubbie for the First Time15:11 – The Story Behind Lasting Ever18:27 – Behind Unsung Hero & Family Involvement27:08 – Parenting, Ministry, and Prioritizing Family33:40 – Rebecca on Stepping Away from Music & Returning45:45 – Cubbie’s Airport Chase & Almost Missing His Chance

From viral Vine videos to sold-out stand-up shows, comedian Trey Kennedy shares his journey in this hilarious and inspiring episode! Levi and Jennie chat with Trey about his faith, first-ever stand-up gig, the gut-wrenching reality of bombing on stage, and how he turned social media fame into a full-fledged comedy career. Plus, hear about his new Hulu special Grow Up, his first children’s book, and the real secret behind balancing creativity, business, and family life. Connect with us on social!Trey: @treynkennedyLevi: @leviluskoJennie: @jennieluskoFresh Life Church: @freshlife [Links]Watch Trey's Special on Hulu: https://bit.ly/4igAS3xListen to the "Correct Opinions" podcast: https://bit.ly/3DakB19Get the 5 5-gallon bucket: https://bit.ly/sdl4sHYGet the Lusketeer Sticker: https://bit.ly/sdl4sHY Subscribe for more exclusive content: https://levilusko.com/hitl-subscribe Want to be on the next Q&A episode? Send us your questions! https://bit.ly/3RonhJI Timestamps02:15 - From Vine to Viral Sensation08:30 - Bombing on Stage14:10 - The Art of Writing Comedy21:05 - Trey’s Hulu Special Grow Up29:40 - Balancing Family, Faith & Comedy