Podcast
Hey! It's The Luskos
Hosted by K-LOVE Podcasts · EN
Sit down with pastors and authors Levi and Jennie Lusko for an unfiltered look at the madness of the Lusko’s life, marriage, ministry, faith, grief, and growth that goes on behind the scenes. (It may or may not include: product reviews, coffee recommendations, Disney hacks and all the things that make life wonderful)
Hosted by Pastors of Fresh Life Church, and authors of best selling book Through The Eyes of a Lion, I Declare War, Swipe Right and The Fight to Flourish.
34episodes
Episodes
Newest firstAll episodes
Ep 225: Grayson & Jezlyn Bearden: Healing in the Light
Jan 1401:06:00Tap to summarizeGrayson and Jezlyn Bearden join Levi and Jennie for a conversation that starts with real-life parenting hilarity (minivan life, sleep training, and surviving “three under three”) and quickly turns into something deeply powerful: what it looks like to walk through addiction, betrayal, and restoration—together. With honesty and hope, the Beardens share their redemption story, the difference between rushing back to a platform vs. getting truly healthy, and the practical road of recovery (community, accountability, and walking in the light). If you’ve ever felt like your story is too messy to be meaningful, this episode is a reminder that God does some of His best work right in the middle of it. Connect with us on social! Grayson: @graysonbearden Jezlyn: @jezlynbearden Levi: @levilusko Jennie: @jennielusko Fresh Life Church: @freshlife [Links] Between Us Podcast: https://bit.ly/49nml3d 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 0:00:32 – Full hearts, full vans, and boy-mom bathroom hacks 0:04:11 – Sleep training, sound machines, and travel sleep setups 0:12:55 – Stop calling it chaos: choosing “full” language 0:17:56 – Teen pregnancy, blended family, and church support done right 0:29:53 – When hidden sin surfaced, and healing got real 0:45:14 – Divorce papers, wise voices, and fighting for the home
Transcribe →Ep 224: Jonathan Pokluda: An Exorcism in Aspen
Jan 701:02:37Tap to summarizeJonathan Pokluda sits down with Levi and Jennie for a conversation that’s equal parts laugh-out-loud and deeply grounding. JP unpacks his 16-day hospital saga—how it started with a leg not working right, turned into a diagnosis of transverse myelitis, and somehow included an unforgettable “marriage moment” that belongs in the Hall of Fame. From spiritual warfare to being aware without being afraid, and what JP learned while researching Your Story Has a Villain—including the country club moment in Aspen that made everything feel painfully real. Plus: Halloween, discernment, and even the surprisingly practical question of how to use AI as a tool without letting it use you—followed by a closing story about a cold plunge that… never actually happened. Connect with us on social! JP: @jpokluda Levi: @levilusko Jennie: @jennielusko Fresh Life Church: @freshlife [Links] Your Story Has a Villain: https://bit.ly/4ai2rsH Becoming Something Podcast: https://bit.ly/4rZROB6 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 0:01:43 – Six-toed cats and the weird grace of being “different” 0:03:24 – JP’s 16-day hospital scare and the symptoms that changed everything 0:16:54 – Real marriage: praying fire for a bowel movement 0:23:20 – Why JP wrote Your Story Has a Villain 0:28:49 – The Aspen Country Club story that made spiritual warfare unmistakable 0:44:06 – Loving God “on purpose,” AI guardrails, and using tools wisely
Transcribe →Year-End Laughs & New-Year Faith
Dec 3100:35:31Tap to summarizeThe Lusko kids join Levi and Jennie for a cozy, hilarious, end-of-2025 family episode—full of memories, real talk, and the kind of side comments only siblings can pull off. Together they look back on the year’s big moments: college life, tennis wins, learner’s permits, a meaningful baptism, and the wild joy of serving together. You’ll hear the behind-the-scenes of the Bolivia mission trip (including travel chaos and a few very memorable mishaps), plus a rapid-fire stroll through favorite podcast episodes, sermon series that hit home, and the books/music that shaped the year. They wrap it all by looking ahead to 2026 with practical goals and spiritual rhythms. Connect with us on social! Levi: @levilusko Jennie: @jennielusko Fresh Life Church: @freshlife [Links] Gospels in a year (Print Ed.): https://bit.ly/4pQG2HN Gospels in a year (Digital Ed.): https://bit.ly/3L4HSWm Movement 2026: https://www.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 Time Stamps 0:01:07 – New Year’s as a “holy day” and old-school traditions 0:03:38 – 2025 family updates: college, baptism, tennis, and big milestones 0:08:34 – Bolivia mission trip stories: Compassion kids + travel mayhem 0:13:07 – Favorite podcast moments from the year (and the unforgettable ones) 0:15:07 – Blessed Are the Spiraling launch: 7 cities, 7 days, 7 runs 0:26:35 – What God taught them in 2025 + 2026 goals and a Gospels plan
Transcribe →Ep 223: Martin Smith: Songs, Seasons, and Surrender
Nov 2600:57:52Tap to summarizeVisit donate.accessmore.com and give today to help fund more episodes and shows like this.Delirious? frontman and worship pioneer Martin Smith joins Levi for a heartfelt conversation about music, calling, and the long road of faith. Martin shares how a random suggestion from his dad led him from cricket dreams to a secondhand guitar, a Holy Spirit encounter at nineteen, and early worship songs like “Lord, You Have My Heart” and “I Could Sing of Your Love Forever.” They trace the unlikely British wave of worship that swept the world, how Delirious? broke all the “rules,” and why Martin still believes deeply in the local church as the home that saves, shapes, and steadies creatives. From the near-fatal car accident that pushed him to go “all in” with Cutting Edge/Delirious? to nine-minute spontaneous tracks and leaving holy space in worship, Martin talks about the power of music to heal, deliver, and reorient our hearts. He and Levi explore prophetic songwriting, how some lyrics arrive far beyond our understanding, why streaming stats feel like everyone’s paycheck on display, and how to help a new generation make pure, cutting-edge worship in a numbers-obsessed world. The conversation also gets wonderfully practical and tender—why “the devil hates flags,” what it means to raise a banner and recover undignified praise, how Martin chose to walk away from arenas for the sake of his kids, and the decade he spent in the shadows asking, “Am I done?” Now a grandpa called “Pops,” Martin reflects on legacy, singing “Our God Reigns” with new weight, and learning to embrace each season—whether it’s feeding 20,000 or 4,000—as part of God’s good story. Connect with us on social!Martin: @martinsmithtvLevi: @leviluskoJennie: @jennieluskoFresh Life Church: @freshlife [Links]Check out more from Martin Smith: https://bit.ly/3M3KJPl 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 Stamps01:16 – From teach-yourself guitar to “Lord, You Have My Heart”11:35 – A midnight crash, Cutting Edge, and saying yes to God20:21 – “Did You Feel the Mountains Tremble” and breaking the worship rulebook29:12 – Was creation sung into being? Music, memory, and wonder31:03 – Romania, gold flags, and why the devil hates flags38:32 – Leaving Delirious?, hidden years, and becoming Pops
Transcribe →Ep 195: Craig Groeschel on Leading Well & Living Strong
Feb 26, 202501:10:23Tap to summarizePastor, author, and leadership expert Craig Groeschel joins Levi and Jennie Lusko for an inspiring conversation on leadership, fitness, and faith. From his journey of pastoring Life.Church for 29 years to the explosive growth of the YouVersion Bible app, Craig shares insights on stewarding health, navigating tough seasons, and optimizing life. Plus, they swap hilarious stories about workouts, grandparenting, and the infamous five-gallon bucket! Don’t miss this wisdom-packed episode! Connect with us on social!Craig: @craiggroeschelLevi: @leviluskoJennie: @jennieluskoFresh Life Church: @freshlife [Links]The Craig Groeschel Leadership Podcast: https://bit.ly/4b1kwtiThe YouVersion App: https://bit.ly/4b683EQThe Benefit of Doubt: https://bit.ly/3QpP9PmGet 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 Timestamps03:10 – The YouVersion Bible App’s impact & hitting 1 billion users07:05 – Craig on leadership lessons from 29 years at Life.Church12:45 – Navigating tough seasons & leading through challenges18:20 – Why strict habits matter & optimizing daily routines24:30 – The power of systems & Craig’s top leadership takeaways31:00 – Craig’s gym stories, family life & grandkids
Transcribe →Ep 194: Paul & Amy Hauser on Addiction & Healing Together
Feb 19, 202501:50:06Tap to summarizeActor Paul Walter Hauser and his wife, Amy, join Levi and Jennie Lusko for an honest, powerful conversation about addiction, redemption, and the journey of hearing God’s voice. They open up about Paul’s sobriety, the unexpected ways God has moved in their lives, and how they’re raising their boys with faith at the center. Plus, they dive into Hollywood, biohacking, and Paul’s surprising side gig as a pro wrestler. This episode is packed with wisdom, laughter, and raw honesty—you don’t want to miss it! Connect with us on social!Paul: @paulwhausergramAmy: @amybolandhauserLevi: @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 If this episode encouraged you, leave a review, drop a comment, and subscribe on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or YouTube to stay connected. Timestamps:00:45 - Paul & Amy’s unexpected Instagram connection with the Luskos03:30 - The faith moment that changed everything for Paul07:15 - Biohacking, cold plunges & the crazy wellness tool that worked12:40 - Wrestling, Hollywood & Paul’s surprising side career18:20 - Parenting a child with autism & trusting God in the unknown24:10 - Overcoming addiction & the power of surrendering to God
Transcribe →Ep 193: What Most Worship Leaders Get Wrong w/ Sean Curran
Feb 12, 202500:41:31Tap to summarizeIs there something missing in modern worship leading? Sean Curran joins Levi to talk about what most worship leaders get wrong, the lessons he’s learned from his journey, and how to lead worship with authenticity. He shares his transition from touring in a rock band to leading worship at Passion, writing some of today’s most powerful worship songs, and what he’s learning in this new season of life. Plus—surfing, tennis, and why he refuses to join the Passion Run Club! Connect with us on social!Sean: @seancurranLevi: @leviluskoJennie: @jennieluskoFresh Life Church: @freshlife [Links]Listen to Sean on Spotify: https://bit.ly/411E39nBasic Faith: https://bit.ly/3WKRqbCGet the 5-gallon bucket: https://bit.ly/sdl4sHYGet the Lusketeer Sticker: https://bit.ly/sdl4sHY Win a VIP Trip for two to Nashville: https://www.blessedarethespiraling.com/pre-order-bundle 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:03:01 - From Bellarive to Passion06:42 - The song that changed everything12:29 - What most worship leaders get wrong about leading20:04 - Trusting God in transitions32:08 - Writing worship songs for real faith, doubt, and loss37:57 - Losing his father & writing Let It Take the Time It Takes40:42 - Moving back to Florida42:51 - Surfing, tennis, and why Sean avoids running
Transcribe →Ep 192: Why Leaders Burn Out & How to Avoid It w/ Carey Nieuwhof
Feb 5, 202501:36:16Tap to summarizeWhy are so many pastors and leaders burning out? And more importantly—how can you avoid it? In this episode, Levi and Jennie Lusko sit down with Carey Nieuwhof, a former pastor, leadership expert, and best-selling author, to discuss the real reasons pastors and leaders face burnout. Carey shares his personal experience with burnout, the biggest warning signs to watch for, and the practical steps that can help you lead with health, balance, and longevity. Whether you're in ministry, business, or just feeling exhausted, this conversation is packed with wisdom, encouragement, and actionable advice you won’t want to miss. Connect with us on social!Carey: @careynieuwhofLevi: @leviluskoJennie: @jennieluskoFresh Life Church: @freshlife [Links]The Carey Nieuwhof Leadership Podcast: https://bit.ly/4hJj6pgThe Art Of Leadership Academy: https://bit.ly/40ZbPw0Get the 5-gallon bucket: https://bit.ly/sdl4sHYGet the Lusketeer Sticker: https://bit.ly/sdl4sHY Win a VIP Trip for two to Nashville: https://www.blessedarethespiraling.com/pre-order-bundle 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 Time stamps00:50 - Why pastors are burning out at an alarming rate02:15 - Carey Nieuwhof’s personal burnout story09:33 - The biggest warning signs you’re headed for burnout22:10 - How Carey transitioned out of pastoring the right way36:20 - How to create friendships that actually last47:50 - Practical ways to prevent burnout before it’s too late
Transcribe →Ep 191: What to Do in a Valley w/ Jabin Chavez
Jan 29, 202501:06:25Tap to summarizeJabin Chavez brings humor, heart, and deep wisdom to this episode as he joins Levi and Jennie Lusko for a conversation about life, ministry, and the unexpected twists of following God’s call. From growing up in New Mexico to planting a thriving church in the heat of Las Vegas, Jabin opens up about his personal journey of faith, the challenges of portable church life, and the miracles that paved the way. He shares the story of how God spoke to him about moving to Vegas, his experiences juggling worship leading and preaching, and how his new book was born out of a powerful sermon series. Along the way, the three discuss hilarious late-night pastor hangouts, the beauty of family and tradition, and why cold plunges and saunas are non-negotiables. Packed with practical insights for leaders, laugh-out-loud moments, and heartfelt reflections, this episode will inspire you to embrace the hills and valleys of your own journey. Connect with us on social!Jabin: @jabinchavezLevi: @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 Timestamps:10:45 - Hearing God’s Call to Vegas18:20 - Planting a Church in Las Vegas24:40 - Writing a Book Born in a Valley31:55 - Late-Night Hangouts with Pastors38:10 - Balancing Worship and Preaching44:25 - Building a Church in the Desert52:00 - Diversity in Vegas and the Church
Transcribe →Ep 190: The Whimsical Black Hole of YouTube w/ JStu + Lennox
Jan 22, 202501:19:16Tap to summarizeYouTube sensations JStu—Justin Stuart and Andrew Scites—join the Luskos alongside young Lennox for a deep dive into creating whimsical, family-friendly content. From overnight Walmart pranks to building submarines, hear their journey of faith, creativity, and teamwork. Plus, Lennox co-hosts for the first time, adding his charming curiosity. Don’t miss this joyful, inspiring episode! Connect with us on social!Justin: @ItsJustinStuartAndrew: @AndrewScitesLevi: @leviluskoJennie: @jennieluskoFresh Life Church: @freshlife [Links]The Jstu Survival Guide: https://bit.ly/4g2jX3oJstu Youtube Channel: https://bit.ly/4joFWEjGet 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 Timestamps01:15 - JStu’s Whimsical World of YouTube05:30 - Laugh Daily: The Power of Joyful Content10:40 - Adventures in DIY: A $30,000 Submarine16:10 - Prank Fails and Creative Triumphs21:00 - Parenting, Faith, and Fun in JStu’s World
Transcribe →