Youth Down South

The 730 Journey: Called for Life

What does it really mean when God’s call turns into a lifelong commitment? In this episode, we sit down with Captain Ashish Pawar and Captain Josh Hinson to talk about the journey from calling to officership. Together, we explore what it looks like to discern God’s voice, walk through the cadet application process, and experience the transformational 730 days that shape a lifetime of ministry.
 
Visit 730days.org for more information.

A Message for Holy Week

In this special Holy Week episode, we are joined by Lt. Colonels Allan and Fiona Hofer, Territorial Secretaries for Program in the USA Southern Territory. Together, they reflect on the significance of Easter and share an encouraging word for Salvationists, leaders, and volunteers as they journey through the days leading to the crucifixion and resurrection of Jesus. This conversation offers a meaningful reminder of the hope we have in Christ during this sacred season.

Corps Cadet Digitalization 101

In this episode, the youth department sites down to explore an exciting new chapter for youth discipleship in The Salvation Army: the digitalization of the Corps Cadet program. We unpack what Corps Cadets is, why this transition to a digital platform is happening now, and how it will better equip leaders to disciple young people. Listeners will gain insight into what’s changing, what’s staying the same, and how both leaders and corps cadets can engage with the new system. Whether you're a leader, a corps cadet, or simply curious about the future of discipleship, this conversation offers a hopeful look at how innovation can strengthen spiritual growth.

Spotlight: The Open Air Podcast

In this episode of Youth Down South, we’re highlighting another great resource coming out of the territory. Emma sits down with Ashley Escobar from the Women’s Department to talk about the Open Air Podcast—a podcast created to encourage, equip, and connect women through meaningful conversations about faith, life, and ministry. Ashley shares the vision behind the podcast, who it’s designed for, and the kinds of topics listeners can expect when they tune in. If you’re looking for encouragement and practical insight for your faith journey, this is a conversation you won’t want to miss.

Why We Go: The Joy of Showing Up

In this episode, Emma is joined by Melissa Powell and Kara Rodriguez to talk about one of their favorite parts of ministry—getting out across the territory to visit camps, youth councils, and divisional events. They share why these visits matter, what they’ve learned from youth leaders and young people, and how the Youth Department hopes to encourage those serving on the front lines of youth ministry.

REPLAY: When Officers Move

REPLAY! This episode first aired in June 2025, but it is still relevant every year. If you listened the first time, listen again! If you missed it the first time, you won’t want to miss it now!
In this episode, we take a bird’s eye view of officer moves within the Southern Territory—how the process works and how we, as church members and leaders, can support officers and their families, especially children, during a season of change. Lt. Colonel Janice Riefer, Territorial Secretary for Personnel, shares her expert insights, and Jon Avery, Social Media Manager, joins the conversation with personal reflections and a look at a recent social media post about this topic that gained a lot of positive feedback.
Here is the link to the social media post referenced in the episode: https://www.instagram.com/p/DIOG3yPxXax/?igsh=MXI5ZDBxOHhlZjVkNQ==

Stop Filling Gaps, Start Building Teams

In this episode of Youth Down South, we’re talking about what it really takes to build a volunteer dream team — not just filling positions, but intentionally recruiting, training, and developing leaders who thrive.
Emma is joined by Roberta Simmons-Smith and Danielle Rowland for a practical, honest conversation about moving from “gap filling” to team building. We talk onboarding, creating ownership, preventing burnout, having hard conversations, and what actually keeps volunteers coming back year after year.
If you lead volunteers in any capacity — corps, youth ministry, RSYC, camp, or beyond — this episode is for you.

Meet Soundcast

In this episode of Youth Down South, we sit down with Chris Benjamin, Director of Production and Operations for Soundcast at Territorial Headquarters, to talk all things podcasting, production, and the power of storytelling. Together they unpack what Soundcast is, meet the team behind the mic, and take a closer look at the podcasts you may already know and love including, Words of Life and Heartbeat.
Chris shares why audio storytelling matters for The Salvation Army right now, what makes podcasting such a powerful tool for ministry, and how Soundcast is creating meaningful, mission-driven content for listeners across the Territory and beyond. You’ll also hear about other projects the team is working on, how you can connect with them, and where Soundcast is headed in the future. If you’ve ever wondered what happens behind the scenes—or how you can get involved—this is an episode you won’t want to miss.
Check out all things Soundcast at: https://salvationarmysoundcast.org/

Real Talk With E.B. - Youth in Action

In this episode of — Real Talk with E.B. — Emma is joined by E.B. and Jeremy Rowland to talk about Youth in Action and the many ways young people can serve through The Salvation Army. From local corps opportunities to camps, mission trips, and creative ministry, this conversation encourages young people to discover their gifts, step into leadership, and live out their faith through service.
Listen now and be inspired to get involved and make a difference where you are!

More Resources for YOU!

In this episode, Melissa Powell joins Emma to share three brand-new Youth Down South resources to help you prepare for the upcoming ministry season. We talk about our new Valentine’s Day resource, introduce the Lent and Easter series that continues The Journey That Changed the World from Advent, and preview our brand-new VBS coming in early March, Galaxy Quest.
The Valentine’s Day and Lent/Easter resources are available now, so you can start planning right away.
Tune in to learn what’s included and how these resources can support your ministry in the weeks and months ahead!