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Real Talk

Real Talk

Written by: Salem Student Ministry
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About this listen

Stuff churches don't want to talk about. "Real Talk" is a monthly roundtable podcast where Christian high schoolers tackle the big questions most churches shy away from. From hot-button social issues to complex cultural challenges, these conversations get honest, thoughtful, and sometimes messy—but always grounded in faith. Each episode brings together real students and youth leaders for unfiltered dialogue, new perspectives, and a Christ-centered foundation that points back to hope and truth in difficult times.

Adam Dougherty 2025
Christianity Economics Management Management & Leadership Ministry & Evangelism Spirituality
Episodes
  • Everything, Everywhere, All the Time
    Dec 1 2025

    Growing up in the age of information isn't all good things. In this episode, the crew discusses how our relationship with technology has changed since the early 2000s, and if the results have been positive. We discuss the 24-hour news cycle, rage bait, doomscrolling, violence on the internet, social media, Tik Tok, and the ever-accelerating pace of information and opinions. We also discuss the pressure people feel to have an opinion on every single thing in the news. Tune in for the episode and then go touch grass.

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    58 mins
  • Why Can't We Disagree Anymore
    Nov 1 2025

    In this episode, the crew discusses the growing division in our country, and why everything feels so personal, including how truth has come under question and accepting hard truths has become difficult. We discuss free speech and what it means to be curious and compassionate in an age where people are attacked and hated for their opinions, and where being wrong is seen as an unacceptable option.

    Four C's of Civil Discourse: https://cehv.osu.edu/civil-discourse-citizenship-0/4cs-virtues-civil-discourse

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    1 hr and 9 mins
  • Mass Shootings
    Sep 30 2025

    In this episode, the crew talks about the epidemic of Mass Shootings in America, targeted political violence, Charlie Kirk, what violence does to free speech, how high schoolers feel going to school, mental health, and what a Christian does with the problem of evil.

    As the publicity of active shooter situations increases, the question "why?" becomes more and more important. Why are these things happening? What does it say about our society, how can we turn down the volume of our disagreements and protect the innocence of our youth. Most importantly, is there any hope at all?

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    1 hr and 2 mins
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