Ep 211: TAYA + Ben Gaukrodger: Live from MVMNT '25

Content creator and evangelist Bryce Crawford joins Levi and Jennie for a joy-soaked, faith-filled conversation that moves from “communion-flavored” energy drinks to the moment Jesus met him at a Waffle House and rerouted his life. Bryce opens up about anxiety, depression, and the night everything changed, plus why hugs, listening, and Scripture are his go-to tools for sharing the gospel in everyday moments.  You’ll also hear the heart behind his street conversations and live podcast nights, the hunger he’s seeing in Gen Z for God’s Word, and a powerful story of prayer, healing, and a man finding his way home. It’s playful, honest, and deeply encouraging—an episode to replay when you need courage to love people where they are. Connect with us on social!Bryce: @brycecrawfordLevi: @leviluskoJennie: @jennieluskFresh Life Church: @freshlife  [Links] See Bryce on Tour: https://bit.ly/3KfYqK0 Get the 5 Gallon Bucket: https://bit.ly/sdl4sHY Get the Lusketeer Sticker: https://bit.ly/sdl4sHY Subscribe for more exclusive content: https://levilusko.com/hitl-subscribe  Time Stamps03:15 – The Waffle House encounter that changed everything06:35 – From phone sermons to “Jesus in the Street”15:38 – A street-corner conversation, a healing, and a homecoming20:21 – When faith costs21:28 – Gen Z’s hunger for God’s Word22:01 – Live podcast nights: cities, worship, what to expect

Kari and Cody Carnes join Levi and Jennie for a heartwarming and joy-filled conversation about faith, family, and the unexpected moments that shape their journey. From their son Kingston’s incredible story of stepping onto the worship stage at just six years old to Canyon’s thoughtful spiritual depth, this episode paints a beautiful picture of raising kids in ministry while keeping family at the center.  The couples also share hilarious and awe-inspiring adventures—from Glacier National Park hikes without snacks or water (thank God for angelic cliff bar encounters!) to bear sightings and summer nights in Montana. Along the way, they dive into songwriting, the upcoming Passion tour, what God is teaching them through Scripture and prayer, and why pure worship matters more than ever.  Connect with us on social! Kari: @karijobe Cody: @codycarnes Levi: @levilusko Jennie: @jennielusko Fresh Life Church: @freshlife  [Links] Listen to Kari on Spotify: https://bit.ly/3V40gQH Listen to Kari on Apple Music: https://bit.ly/46z2ixB Listen to Cody on Spotify: https://bit.ly/4m3Bhry Listen to Cody on Apple Music: https://bit.ly/3VEpR2F Get the 5 Gallon Bucket: https://bit.ly/sdl4sHY Get the Lusketeer Sticker: https://bit.ly/sdl4sHY Subscribe for more exclusive content: https://levilusko.com/hitl-subscribe  Time Stamps 0:01:24 – Kingston’s journey from pots and pans to the worship stage 0:06:53 – Preparing for tour with Passion and Louie Giglio’s new book 0:13:00 – Hiking Glacier without snacks or water (and the angelic cliff bar) 0:16:15 – Grizzly bears at full sprint: the wildest Montana moment 0:19:00 – Raising kids who hear from God and carry spiritual depth 0:24:05 – Lessons from 2 Kings and the call to pure worship

TAYA and her husband Ben join Levi and Jennie for a conversation full of laughter, honesty, and heart. From navigating new parenthood and life in America to the wild story of Beau’s birth, they share the highs, the struggles, and the sweet moments of learning to delight in both God and family. TAYA opens up about releasing music while carrying the weight of travel, ministry, and motherhood, while Ben reflects on trading construction work for full-time fatherhood. Together, they talk about resilience, intentional living, and choosing family first even in the middle of a busy ministry life. This one is rich with encouragement, faith, and a few hilarious Amazon fails you’ll never forget. Connect with us on social!TAYA: @tayagaukrodgerLevi: @leviluskoJennie: @jennieluskoFresh Life Church: @freshlife [Links]TAYA on Spotify: https://bit.ly/469XRdoTAYA on Apple Music: https://bit.ly/4oTrg2KGet 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 Time Stamps0:02:05 – Life changes since moving to America0:04:45 – Parenting joys and challenges with Beau0:09:27 – TAYA’s solo music and releasing The Reminder0:16:06 – Surfing, family hobbies, and e-bike adventures0:21:00 – Worship under the sky at Movement Conference0:35:30 – The wild birth story of Beau and God’s faithfulness

Tim and Juliette Ross return with a powerful, deeply personal conversation about grief, healing, and honoring legacy. They open up about the loss of Tim’s father, the emotional toll of caregiving, and the surprising moment Juliette captured that left the whole room in tears. From family dynamics and generational healing to tattoos, bereavement discounts, and even a salvation story involving flip-flops—this episode is heartfelt, hilarious, and unforgettable. Don’t miss the wisdom, warmth, and raw honesty they bring to the table. Connect with us on social!Tim: @upsetthegramJuliette: @mentor_juLevi: @leviluskoJennie: @jennieluskoFresh Life Church: @freshlife [Links]Upset the World: https://bit.ly/4n2WcvYregister for Upset the World & WWCo. Experience: https://bit.ly/41Z8BJ5The Basement Podcast: https://bit.ly/3VqyldzGet 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 Timestamps02:20 – Marriage Hack: “It Just Makes Life More Fun”05:05 – Grieving Tim’s Father: The Moment Everything Shifted13:05 – Grief Meets Joy: From Vows to a Funeral17:50 – Juliette’s Prompt: “What If He’s Not Here in August?”26:55 – A Voice Note Surprise That Stunned the Room

From Buc-ee’s brisket sandwiches to the hard realities of ministry life, Levi tackles your live questions in this special Q&A episode—while Jennie’s out battling a migraine. Hear stories of unexpected “miracles,” valuable advice for young ministers, tips for first-time flyers, how to handle disappointment, and why Levi trusts strangers with his screen time code. Packed with wisdom, laughs, and some rodeo-night anticipation, this one’s all over the map in the best way possible. 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 Time Stamps04:49 - Buc-ee’s brisket, breakfast burritos & carnivore diet confessions15:49 - God’s timing vs. forcing open doors in ministry24:34 - Why friendships outside of ministry matter31:11 - Leaving the light on for people who walk away48:23 - Why Levi doesn’t know his own screen time code

Ben Stuart is back to unpack the mess and meaning of modern relationships. From ghosting to God’s design, he shares why dating has become more confusing—and how the church can step in with clarity and care. Plus, insights on Gen Z’s hunger for connection, life in DC, and some hilarious fishing fails. Connect with us on social!Ben: @Ben_Stuart_Levi: @leviluskoJennie: @jennieluskoFresh Life Church: @freshlife [Links]Read Single, Dating, Engaged, Married: https://bit.ly/3ZVg4bkGet 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 Timestamps01:27 – Why Ben Updated His Book05:57 – Church Dating Trends09:23 – God’s Moving in DC11:46 – Young Leaders in DC15:35 – Appreciating Ben and Donna21:01 – Daily Rhythms and Life Hacks

Gracie Binion is the real deal. In this episode, she shares how she went from writing songs in her childhood bedroom to leading worship with fire—and how a van full of bad smells and loud laughs became the backdrop to her newlywed life. She talks faith, calling, creative grit, and the night she heard God speak out loud. It’s equal parts fun, raw, and full of purpose. Connect with us on social!Gracie: @graciebinionLevi: @leviluskoJennie: @jennieluskoFresh Life Church: @freshlife [Links]Listen to Gracie on Spotify: https://bit.ly/45JodTOListen to Gracie on Apple Music: https://bit.ly/3ZSjFa4Get 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 Timestamps00:25 - The Worship Prowler02:07 - Married on Valentine’s Day04:34 - Smelly Vans & Sacred Friendships10:35 - Childhood Songs & Taylor Swift18:22 - Cat-Sound Warmups32:50 - Ministry School & Hearing God

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