Ep 218: Josiah Queen: From “I Am Barabbas” to Mount Zion

Singer-songwriter Josiah Queen joins Levi and Jennie for a warm, joy-filled conversation about his faith, marriage, and music. From writing “I Am Barabbas” to exploring national parks with his wife, Trinity, Josiah opens up about how worship, creativity, and everyday life all weave together into his walk with God. They swap stories about summer tours, cold plunges, and close encounters with buffalo in Yellowstone — plus why Josiah believes his best songs come straight from scripture stored in his heart. It’s an inspiring, down-to-earth episode that celebrates calling, consistency, and God’s surprising sense of humor. Connect with us on social! Josiah: @josiahqueenmusic Levi: @levilusko Jennie: @jennielusko Fresh Life Church: @freshlife [Links] Listen to MT ZION: https://bit.ly/4mWlb3y Sign up for Movement Conference 2026: MVMNT26.com 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 Timestamps 6:03 – Summer Worship Nights with Brandon & Phil 08:14 – Cruise chaos & a sketchy flight 11:02 – National parks bucket list + Glacier invite 16:51 – Buffalo standoff in Yellowstone 19:21 – Supervolcano talk: wonder without panic 33:01 – Cold plunges: Levi’s case for the cold

In this moving and deeply personal episode, Levi and Jennie sit down with Shawn and Jill Johnson to talk about their new book Kiss the Fire—a message born straight out of pain, perseverance, and the unwavering hope they’ve found in Jesus. Shawn opens up about his journey with Parkinson’s and the moment everything changed with one doctor’s appointment, while Jill shares what it looks like to cling to faith when life takes an unexpected turn. Together, the Johnsons reveal how “kissing the fire” has become more than just a phrase—it’s their daily declaration to keep trusting God, even when the flames are fierce. This conversation is raw, honest, and full of life-giving encouragement for anyone walking through their own season of struggle.  Connect with us on social!  Shawn: @shawnjohnsonrrc  Jill: @jilljohnson03  Levi: @levilusko  Jennie: @jennielusko  Fresh Life Church: @freshlife Read Kiss the Fire: http://bit.ly/3IQQMFU Red Rocks Worship Tour: http://bit.ly/3J1lWua 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:  01:09 – The diagnosis  06:06 – Kiss the Fire  08:12 – Writing through pain  10:53 – Hope in the hard days  21:48 – Finding balance and healing  29:45 – A prayer for the fight

Comedian, influencer, and newly minted Radio DJ Lacy Abercrombie joins Levi for a joy-soaked, heartfelt conversation recorded during the MVMNT Conference. From DJ Lennox’s eight-year-old hype set to lakeside moments with God, this one swings between belly laughs and holy ground. Lacy opens up about leading altar ministry after a powerful message on purity, body shame, and freedom in Jesus — and why honest conversations matter for this generation.  You’ll also hear why Lacy’s moving to Franklin, Tennessee, and stepping into a new season as Air1’s midday host, plus the story behind Stay Here and practical ways churches and parents can champion mental health. Come for the Bieber jokes; stay for the blessing, the courage, and the call to love Jesus with everything.  Connect with us on social!  Lacy: @abercrombielacy  Levi: @levilusko  Jennie: @jennielusko  Fresh Life Church: @freshlife  [Links] Stay Here: https://bit.ly/42kdug3 Catch Lacy on Air1 Radio 11am-3pm ET: https://bit.ly/3KP1TQ0 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  0:03:17 – MVMNT Conference highs & “love the snot out of Jesus”  0:08:46 – Altar moments and a frank talk on purity  0:10:57 – What is Stay Here? Suicide prevention with ACT training  0:15:07 – Sunset worship, “The Blessing,” and Montana memories  0:16:51 – Big news: Franklin move + Air1 midday host  0:23:53 – Kindle-walks, reading rhythms, and going back to school

Elevation Rhythm’s Davide Mutendji and Josh Holiday drop in from Movement Conference for a joy-soaked conversation about faith, music, and life on the road. We talk Elevation Nights (aka “Sunday on tour”), the EFAM family showing up city after city, and how worship in an arena can turn spectators into participants.  They also share an exclusive on new music—“Victory Lap II,” recorded live at YouthX—and unpack the heart behind it: helping a generation live from Jesus’ finished victory. Plus: the legendary plane-train meet-cute, a Starbucks Venmo blessing, travel routines, and the case for… iced hot chocolate as an elite recovery drink. It’s playful, hopeful, and packed with encouragement for anyone running their race with Jesus.  Connect with us on social!  Davide: @iam_davide  Josh: @iamjoshholiday  Levi: @levilusko  Jennie: @jennielusko  Fresh Life Church: @freshlife  [Links] Get the 5 Gallon Bucket: https://bit.ly/sdl4sHY Get the Lusketeer Sticker: https://bit.ly/sdl4sHY Listen to Elevation Rhythm on Spotify: http://bit.ly/48NtGKC Listen to Elevation Rhythm on Apple Music: http://bit.ly/473p81t Goodbye Yesterday Tour: https://bit.ly/4gUxHiK Subscribe for more exclusive content: https://levilusko.com/hitl-subscribe  Time Stamps:  1:33 – Just off a global tour in Montana  5:05 – Baby on the way: grace for parents  5:55 – Airport plane-train meet-cute & Starbucks Venmo  9:12 – Bringing “Sunday” to arenas: Elevation Nights  20:25 – Title reveal & heart behind “Victory Lap II”  26:14 – The spirit of RHYTHM beyond generations

Author and podcast host Madi Troutt and her husband, speaker Grant Troutt, are back—this time with their daughter Hosanna in tow and a brand-new book in the world. Madi shares the heart behind Dare to Be True, the war against the lies that keep us stuck, and the daily rhythms of walking in freedom. We also talk newborn life, moving to Tennessee, and the surprising power of a well-timed footlong…cookie.  Then we zoom out to the college campus awakening they’ve been witnessing through Unite—stories of prayer, repentance, and spontaneous baptisms that point to the awe of God. From preaching at Movement to building community locally, this conversation carries both urgency and joy. Lean in for a hopeful call to truth, holiness, and everyday obedience.  Connect with us on social!  Madi: @madiprew  Grant: @grant_troutt  Levi: @levilusko  Jennie: @jennielusko  Fresh Life Church: @freshlife  [Links] Read Madi's new book: https://bit.ly/4m9vLDK Listen to Stay True: https://bit.ly/3V7IT1k Register for Movement Conference 2026: https://bit.ly/42rjpjk 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  02:41 – Madi’s new book and why she almost quit  07:18 – How Unite began at Auburn  10:46 – Spontaneous baptisms and revival momentum  18:13 – Repentance, awe of God, and holiness  27:49 – Date nights, love languages, and coffee drama  32:40 – “Stay True” tour tease & what’s next

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