Faith is weirdly trendy right now, but not in the way your grandma remembers it. You've probably seen the clips. A few young people sitting around microphones, talking about Jesus like he’s a friend they just grabbed coffee with, rather than a distant figure in a stained-glass window. That’s essentially the vibe of the This Is Kingdom podcast. It’s part of the broader YSA (Young Single Adult) outreach from The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, but honestly, it feels less like a sermon and more like a late-night dorm room vent session.
People are looking for something real.
The show features a rotating cast—names you might recognize if you spend any time on "LDS TikTok" or Instagram—like Grace Freeman, Tali Holloway, David Butler, and Emily Belle Freeman. It’s a specific niche. But here’s the thing: it’s working. It isn't just about reciting scripture. It’s about the "how." How do you actually live a faith-centered life when your dating app is a mess and your career feels like a dead end?
What most people get wrong about This Is Kingdom
A lot of folks see a church-sponsored podcast and immediately assume it’s going to be a scripted, sterile PR exercise. They expect "The Corporate Voice."
You know the one.
But if you actually sit through an episode of the This Is Kingdom podcast, you’ll notice the hosts talk over each other. They laugh at things that aren't particularly "holy." They admit when they’re struggling with the very concepts they’re discussing. This transparency is the secret sauce. In a world of filtered perfection, watching a group of people grapple with the complexities of the New Testament or the Book of Mormon in real-time feels... refreshing. It’s messy. It’s human.
The content centers heavily on the Come, Follow Me curriculum, which is the standard study guide used by the Church. However, they don't treat it like a textbook. They treat it like a survival manual.
One week they might be deconstructing the idea of grace, and the next, they’re talking about how to deal with the crushing weight of modern anxiety. They bridge the gap between ancient text and the 2026 digital landscape. It’s about finding the "Kingdom of God" in the middle of a Target aisle or a bad breakup.
The power of "The Gathering"
There is this recurring theme in the show about "gathering." It sounds a bit churchy, sure. But in the context of the This Is Kingdom podcast, it’s really about the epidemic of loneliness.
Research from groups like the Survey Center on American Life has shown that Gen Z is the loneliest generation. We’re connected to everyone but belong to no one. The hosts lean into this hard. They aren't just telling you to go to church; they’re trying to build a digital community where it’s okay to have questions.
Grace Freeman and the crew often share personal anecdotes that make the listeners feel like they aren't the only ones failing at "perfection." Honestly, the vulnerability is what keeps the retention rates high. When Tali or David talks about a moment of doubt, it validates the listener's own experience. It turns a monologue into a dialogue, even if the audience is just listening through AirPods.
Why This Is Kingdom podcast is gaining traction now
Timing is everything.
We are currently seeing a massive "re-enchantment" movement. People are tired of the purely secular, materialistic grind. They want meaning. They want some sort of spiritual framework, but they don't want the baggage of old-school institutional rigidity.
The This Is Kingdom podcast fits perfectly into this "Middle Way." It’s institutional because it’s backed by the Church, but it’s culturally agile. It uses the language of today. It looks like a high-end YouTube production because, well, it is. The lighting is moody, the fashion is current, and the editing is snappy.
- It hits the "Search Intent" for people looking for LDS Young Single Adult content.
- It provides a low-pressure entry point for people who are curious about faith but terrified of walking into a chapel.
- It offers "bite-sized" theology that fits into a commute.
There’s a specific episode where they talk about the "Gift of Discerning Spirits." In a traditional setting, that could be a very dry, academic talk. On the podcast? It becomes a conversation about how to tell if the "vibes" in a room are off and how to protect your mental energy. That’s a translation layer that older generations might not even realize is necessary, but for a 22-year-old in 2026, it’s essential.
The hosts aren't just influencers
There’s a fine line between being a "faith influencer" and a teacher.
The This Is Kingdom podcast manages to walk it because the hosts have actual skin in the game. Emily Belle Freeman, for instance, isn't just a podcaster; she’s the Young Women General President of the Church. That brings a level of authority that balances out the youthful energy of the other hosts. You get the wisdom of experience mixed with the urgency of youth.
It’s a smart move. It prevents the show from becoming "youth pastor cringe."
Navigating the skeptics and the critics
Look, any religious content on the internet is going to get pushed back.
Some people find the production too "glossy." They argue that the gospel shouldn't need a ring light and a 4K camera to be effective. Others might find the conversation too informal, wishing for more deep-dive scriptural analysis and less "so, I was at the gym and had this thought."
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Both are valid points. If you want a verse-by-verse linguistic breakdown of Greek verbs, this probably isn't your show. But that’s not the point of the This Is Kingdom podcast. Its goal is lifestyle integration. It’s meant to be the soundtrack to your life, not a master's thesis.
The show also touches on some "prickly" topics. They don't shy away from the fact that being a person of faith in a secular world is socially expensive. They talk about the awkwardness of being the only one not drinking at the office party or the struggle of staying "chaste" in a hookup culture. They acknowledge the friction. They don't pretend it’s easy, and that honesty buys them a lot of "street cred" with their audience.
How to actually apply what you hear
If you’re just binge-watching the This Is Kingdom podcast for the aesthetics, you’re missing the point. The show is designed to be a catalyst. Here is how people are actually using it to change their lives:
The 5-Minute Morning Flip
Instead of scrolling Instagram the second you wake up, people are throwing on a 10-minute segment of the podcast. It’s about "priming the pump." It sets a spiritual tone before the chaos of the day hits.
The Study Group Hybrid
A lot of YSA wards (congregations) are using the podcast episodes as jumping-off points for their own discussions. They’ll watch a clip, then ask, "Okay, but how does this work in our city?" It’s a bridge between digital content and physical community.
The "Question Journal"
One of the best things the show encourages is "active asking." They often leave things open-ended. Listeners are starting to keep journals specifically for the questions the podcast sparks. It’s less about having the answer and more about being okay with the search.
Actionable insights for the digital disciple
The This Is Kingdom podcast isn't just a show; it’s a template for how faith survives in the digital age. If you want to get the most out of it, or if you’re trying to find your own spiritual footing, here’s the move:
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- Don't watch it in a vacuum. Use the episodes to spark a real-life conversation with a friend. Send a link to someone and say, "This made me think of that thing we talked about last week."
- Look for the "Small Gods." The show emphasizes finding God in the mundane. Try to identify one "Kingdom moment" in your day today—even if it's just someone holding the door or a moment of quiet in traffic.
- Cross-reference. When they mention a scripture, go read the chapter yourself. See if you agree with their take. Developing your own "spiritual muscles" is better than just relying on theirs.
- Engage with the community. Follow the hosts on social media, but don't just lurk. Comment, ask questions, and participate in the challenges they set.
The reality is that faith in 2026 is a choice you have to make every single morning. The This Is Kingdom podcast makes that choice feel a little bit more attainable and a lot less lonely. It’s a reminder that the "Kingdom" isn't a place you go when you die; it’s something you’re supposed to be building right here, right now, with whatever tools you’ve got. Even if those tools are just a smartphone and a pair of headphones.