WHOA That's Good Podcast Summary

Episode: When Posts Backfire: I Wasn't Ready for That | Sadie & Christian | Preston & Jackie Hill Perry
Date: September 17, 2025
Host: Sadie Robertson Huff
Guests: Preston Perry & Jackie Hill Perry, Christian Huff

Episode Overview

In this engaging and candid episode, Sadie Robertson Huff (joined by her husband, Christian Huff) welcomes poet-preacher duo Jackie Hill Perry and Preston Perry for a vulnerable, lively, and thought-provoking group conversation. The core theme: how authenticity and faithfulness play out for Christians in the public eye—especially on social media—and how to respond when posts or messages "backfire." Their discussion touches on authenticity vs. performance, navigating criticism, biblical literacy, the challenge of making disciples, wise leadership, and the Christian responsibility to discern and grow both publicly and privately.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. The Challenge of Authenticity in the Public Eye

• Jackie’s Social Media Break ([04:41])

  • Jackie shares about taking a 5-6 month sabbatical from social media, inspired by Sadie, despite fears it might harm her platform or projects.

    “I did not… Things took a hit… But it was like, either I'm going to withdraw and pray and get with the Father so that when I come back out, I can actually have more integrity, have more character, more wisdom, or I'mma lean into the algorithm and affect my character in a way that doesn't serve anybody.” – Jackie Hill Perry [05:43]

  • They discuss Jesus' pattern of withdrawing at moments of popularity, underlining the irony of Christian "fame."

• On Comparing our "Boldness" and Gifts ([03:32])

  • Sadie reflects on being initially intimidated by Jackie and being encouraged by her affirmations.

    “You don't mean to, but sometimes you compare yourself to other people... not comparing your boldness to someone else's boldness… because it's more about obedience.” – Sadie [03:30]

• Performative Faith and Online Culture ([10:12], [13:39])

  • Preston jokes about the trend of performative vulnerability (i.e. people crying on camera).

    “Did you plan, like, I'm gonna cry at 3:30? Did you plan that?... I'm not saying that everybody has done... it just, it's kind of weird.” – Preston Perry [10:21]

  • They critique how authenticity is sometimes replaced by calculated performance, especially around mental health and self-awareness content.

2. Christian Identity, Ministry and the Pressure of Relevance

• Freedom in Vulnerability ([08:37])

  • Preston insists that their (the Perrys') “realness” isn’t a strategy:

    “I think God wants to use us how he has uniquely made us… it didn't always come easy being ourselves. We got a lot of criticism... I think it's risky at first, but it pays off in the end.” – Preston Perry [08:37]

  • They stress it’s vital not to “hype” or “dumb down” yourself—just be who God made you.

• "Even Your History is Ministry" ([14:23])

  • Jackie encourages viewing every part of one's history and personality as part of God's ministry.

    “Me being raised by a single parent, the voice I have, the texture, like, all of that is ministry too. Not just the content, also the context through which the content comes from.” – Jackie Hill Perry [14:23]

3. Navigating Self-Centeredness and Oversharing in Preaching

• On Self Messages and Narcissism ([16:17])

  • Jackie provides a theology of sin to guard against the lure of self-preoccupation in content.

    “We all, I think, exist on this narcissistic spectrum where we do everything with ourself at the center. I think even just knowing that, just acknowledging if I'm a sinner, then I'm self centered...” – Jackie Hill Perry [16:17]

• The Temptation to Preach What People Want

  • Preston warns about leaders pivoting their messages to please "itching ears":

    “This is the reason why you see faithful teachers for years and their message change because that's what they think they have to do to fill seats… If you are a leader, people cannot tell you what they need. God has to tell you.” – Preston Perry [17:31]

• On Oversharing From the Stage ([20:23])

  • Sadie vulnerably shares about accidentally letting personal struggles "bleed" into sermons.
  • Jackie advises: if your personal life isn’t worked out with God, it will spill over—tighter preparation and time with the Holy Spirit is key.

4. The Importance of Biblical Literacy and Discipleship

• Biblical Illiteracy and Its Dangers ([27:47])

  • Preston and Jackie identify widespread biblical illiteracy and the proliferation of poor online “teaching.”

    “I think there is a generation of believers who are not biblically literate, who don't know how to read the Scriptures contextually...” – Preston Perry [27:52]

• The Solution: Hermeneutics and Context

  • Preston endorses churches offering hermeneutics courses and coaching people to engage with Scripture directly.

    “What good Bible teaching does, it just doesn't equip us to be Christians, but it actually teaches us how to read the Bible away from the church.” – Preston Perry [29:17]

• Making, Not Just Being, Disciples ([33:07])

  • Sadie prompts the group to talk about Christians' call to “make disciples.” Jackie shares her own experience as a new, unchurched believer transformed by discipleship.

    “Our entire marriage, our parenting, our podcast, our ministry is the fruit of discipleship.” – Jackie Hill Perry [34:35]

  • Preston stresses: discipleship is about doing life together, not just structured study.

5. Criticism, Cancel Culture & Wisdom in Correction

• Judgmentalism & "Heresy Hunters" in the Church ([41:24], [42:43])

  • The group jokes about "heresy hunters" online—those who seek to build platforms by calling out others. Christian admits to being more judgmental, while Sadie seeks to befriend and encourage new influencers.

  • Jackie references Ephesians 5 and Jude:

    “Even the way you expose should be in submission to love… in Jude, he never even tells them who he's referencing but gives [framework] so they would notice them.” – Jackie Hill Perry [44:02]

  • She notes much online "exposing" is more about ambition and envy than genuine love for the Body.

• The Hidden Cost of Public Ministry ([45:52])

  • Jackie shares how Christ’s own suffering and slander are a model for how she processes personal attacks and false accusations:

    “At the same time that they need to repent... the Lord is doing something good in us through it.” – Jackie Hill Perry [47:11]

  • Preston echoes the necessity of learning endurance and spiritual stamina in the face of criticism ([47:36]).

6. Discernment: Sin Issues vs. Wisdom Issues ([61:04])

• Preston distinguishes between actual sin and issues of wisdom or discernment, noting not every mistake is a matter of sin that disqualifies someone from leadership or influence.

  “Me making an unwise decision doesn't mean I'm in sin and doesn't mean that people should stop following me. And so there has to be a certain amount of grace given for wisdom issues and not sin issues.” – Preston Perry [61:17]

• Jackie adds:

  “Not all matters deserve the same intense response.” [60:59]

• The Reality of Public Sanctification ([63:23])

  • Jackie points out that people in public ministry “learn out loud”— their mistakes are visible, their sanctification expedited and multiplied in effect.

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• “Even your history is ministry.” – Jackie Hill Perry [14:23]
• “You cannot examine my fruit through a phone.” – Preston Perry [52:11]
• “If you build it yourself, then you have to keep it yourself.” (Christine Caine via Sadie) [07:57]
• “We exist on this narcissistic spectrum.” – Jackie Hill Perry [16:17]
• “Discipleship is not to be the Holy Spirit, it’s to help shape people with the Word.” – Preston Perry [34:35]
• “The only way they can obtain what you have is by calling people like you out.” – Preston Perry [45:20]
• “He uses criticism to disciple us.” – Jackie Hill Perry [45:52]
• “We are learning out loud.” – Jackie Hill Perry [63:23]

Segment Timestamps

• [03:32] – Sadie on comparison and affirmation from Jackie
• [04:41] – Jackie’s rationale for and revelation from a social media break
• [08:37] – Preston on authenticity and criticism for being himself
• [13:39] – Jackie and Preston on exhaustion from "performance" online
• [16:17] – The group on the self-centered turn in "Christian" messaging
• [20:23] – Sadie and Jackie on oversharing personal struggles from the stage
• [27:47] – Preston and Jackie on biblical illiteracy and hermeneutics
• [33:07] – The call, joy, and power of making disciples
• [41:24] – Discussion about online judgment, “heresy hunters,” and divisiveness
• [47:11] – Criticism, suffering, and the sanctification of public ministry
• [54:44] – Sadie tells the “Beyoncé dance” social media blowup story
• [61:04] – Sin issues vs. wisdom issues; public vs. private sanctification

Tone & Vibe

• Conversational, honest, humorous, vulnerable, and deeply rooted in biblical reflection. The episode swings from lighthearted banter to serious, pastoral wisdom.
• The speakers encourage grace for oneself and others while holding a strong commitment to truth, faithfulness, and spiritual growth.

For Listeners

If you’ve ever struggled with social media backlash, felt crushed by criticism, questioned your own authenticity, or worried you're not "enough" for the platform or pulpit you hold, this episode will offer you grace, wisdom, and practical handles for navigating public (and private) faithfulness.

Next week: The conversation continues with a focus on relationships, friendships, and marriage!