Karl Bastian's Podcast (Formerly Kidmin Talk)
Formerly known as "Kidmin Talk" - The Karl Bastian Podcast is the podcast of Pastor Karl Bastian, aka the "Kidologist," creator of Kidology.org, KarlBastian.club and PastorKarl.com for kids.
All of Karl's info is available at KarlBastian.info
Karl is a full time children's pastor in Colorado. He founded Kidology in 1994 pioneering the Internet for children's ministry before Google, YouTube and Yahoo even existed. Visit Kidology.org for thousands of helpful resources, curriculum, recruiting tools, training and much more.
Questions, comments, feedback or sponsorship inquiries can be sent to karl@kidology.org.
NOTE: There is an older "Kidmin Talk" from 2008 that goes through episode 141 that Apple refuses to delete due to obsolete tools - THIS is the one you need to be subscribed to. Thanks for your support.
Episodes
159 episodes
Ministry is an Epic Quest - Karl Bastian Podcast 227
Why do we love the Epic Stories in books and films? Because deep down, we long to go on a quest - with a band of friends, secret map or guide in hand, learn from a wise old mentor and battle an enemy that seems overwhelming, but can be battled ...
Don't Teach Empty Handed! - Karl Bastian Podcast #226
Karl Bastian Podcast #226 – Don't Teach Empty Handed!In this EGGciting episode, Karl gives a glimpse into his massive object lesson collection, tells about the EGGbert lesson he did the day before, and challenges to make PROPS and OBJEC...
Be More Like Kids! - Karl Bastian Podcast #225
VIDEO VERSION ON YOUTUBEWhat if the biggest barrier to reaching kids… is that we’re not speaking their language?In Episode 225, Be More Like Kids!, Karl shares a powerful ...
Just STOP It! - Karl Bastian Podcast #224
Ministry leaders are passionate people—but sometimes that passion pushes us into habits that quietly drain our joy, energy, and effectiveness.In this episode, Karl shares three things children’s ministry leaders need to stop doing in or...
Be a Collector of Wisdom with Guest Barney Kinard - Karl Bastian Podcast #223
What if one of the most valuable habits a leader could develop is simply becoming a collector of wisdom?In this episode, Karl welcomes longtime friend and ministry partner Barney Kinard for a fun and meaningful conversation that stretche...
Making Sunday the BEST DAY of a Kid's Week - Karl Bastian Podcast 222
Karl Bastian Podcast #222 – Making Sunday the BEST DAY of a Kid's Week (with Micah Gilbert)What does it really take to make Sunday the BEST day of a kid’s week?In this episode, Karl sits down with longtime ministry partner Micah...
Kids WANT Fun, but NEED Love - Karl Bastian Podcast 221
Kids want fun. That’s obvious. But what they need is love. In this episode, Karl unpacks Kidology Theorem #02 and challenges children’s ministry leaders to deliver fun with purpose—and love without condition. Why is laughter a highway to a chil...
It's About the Gospel - Karl Bastian Podcast 220
In this episode, Karl unpacks Kidology Theorem #1: It’s About the Gospel. Using a Child Evangelism Fellowship brochure from the early 1970s as a springboard, he walks through the powerful description of the calling and commitment of a children’...
Kidmin Talk #219 - Kidmin Covenant #12 - What Success in Ministry Really Looks Like
What does success in children’s ministry actually look like?Packed rooms? Growing numbers? Social media applause?In this final episode of the 12-part Kidmin Covenant series, we land on Commitment #12: measuring success by obedie...
Kidmin Talk #218 - Kidmin Covenant #11 - Rest is Best!
In this reflective and encouraging episode of Kidmin Talk, Karl unpacks Kidmin Covenant #11: Rest Is Best—a countercultural reminder that rest is not a reward for finishing ministry work, but a requirement for sustaining it.Drawing from...
Kidmin Talk #217 - Kidmin Covenant #10 - Pass on the Praise!
In this episode of Kidmin Talk, Karl dives into Kidmin Covenant #10: I will pass on any praise I receive to those who helped, inspired, guided, orassisted—and ultimately to JesusWith transparency, scripture, and heart, Karl challeng...
Kidmin Talk #216 - Kidmin Covenant #9 - For the LORD! And Mercy from a Super Soaker!
In this energetic and scripture-packed episode of Kidmin Talk, Karl dives into Kidmin Covenant #9: Do It All for the Lord—a joyful reminder from Colossians 3:23 that everything we do in ministry, whether seen or unseen, is ultimately for...
Kidmin Talk #215 - Kidmin Covenant #8 - UNOFFENDABLE!
Kidmin Talk #215 - UNOFFENDABLE!In this heart-stretching episode of Kidmin Talk, Karl unpacks Kidmin Covenant #8: Be Unoffendable—a reminder that ministry is full of opportunities to take offense, but true spiritual ...
Kidmin Talk #214 - Kidmin Covenant #7 - Be F.A.T. - Faithful, Available and TEACHABLE
In this episode of Kidmin Talk, Karl dives into Kidmin Covenant #7: A Commitment to Character—a timely reminder that who you are behind the scenes matters just as much as what you do in front of a room full of kids.With transparency, sc...
Kidmin Talk #213 - Kidmin Covenant #6 - Quick to Listen... Slow to Speak
In this episode of Kidmin Talk, Karl explores Kidmin Covenant #6: Character Counts, a convicting call for ministry leaders to lead with integrity, humility, and emotional maturity.Anchored in James 1:19—“Be quick to listen, slow to speak...
Kidmin Talk #212 - Kidmin Covenant #5 - Bible First, Bible Always
In this scripture-centered and passion-fueled episode, Pastor Karl unpacks Kidmin Covenant #5: Use the Bible—a timely challenge for every children’s ministry leader to keep God’s Word front and center in everything they teach and do....
Kidmin Talk #211 - Kidmin Covenant #4 - Prioritizing People Over Programs
In this scripture-packed and heart-led episode, Karl dives into Kidmin Covenant #4: A Relational Priority—a powerful reminder that in the whirlwind of ministry, people must always come before programs.Drawing from years of experience an...
Kidmin Talk #210: Kidmin Covenant #3 - Setting a God Ordained Agenda
In Kidmin Talk #210, Karl unpacks Kidmin Covenant #3: A God-Focused Direction, encouraging leaders to begin each day with spiritual alignment—inviting God to lead their steps, not just bless their to-do lists (Proverbs 16:9). He shares insights...
Kidmin Talk #209: Kidmin Covenant #2 - Wake, Read, Lead – Starting with The Book
Kidmin Talk #209: Kidmin Covenant #2 - Wake, Read, Lead – Starting with The BookIn Part 2 of the Kidmin Covenant series, Pastor Karl unpacks the vital role of God’s Word as the foundation of a healthy children’s ministry. Learn how to k...
Kidmin Talk #208 - Kidmin Covenant #1 - Starting Your Day in Prayer
Kidmin Talk #208: Kidmin Covenant #1 – PrayerWelcome to a brand-new series on The Kidmin Covenant — the essential commitments for a ministry that pleases God and lasts the test of time. In this first episode, Pastor Karl dives deep into...
Kidmin Talk #207 - How to Keep Going When You Want to Quit
Ministry is rewarding, but let’s be honest — it can also be exhausting and downright discouraging. Have you ever felt overlooked, weary, misunderstood, or even attacked? In this episode of Kidmin Talk, we’re diving into the Kidmin Mandate—our S...
Kidmin Talk #206 – Stop Whining: BE the Change You are Looking For
Feeling overwhelmed, stressed, or under-appreciated in ministry? Wish things were different—more support, more volunteers, more time? In this episode of Kidmin Talk, Pastor Karl Bastian reveals the secrets to BEING the change you’re looking for...
Kidmin Talk #205 – Ask Karl Anything + Special Interview with/ Major Movie Producing CEO
In this 205th episode of Kidmin Talk, we’re kicking things off with a special interview with Kevin Downes, CEO of Kingdom Story Company, about their upcoming film, Unbreakable Boy, hitting theaters on February 21st. They created Jesus Revolutio...
Kidmin Talk #204 - I'm Not Joshin' You! Kids Need to Question Their Faith
Let's talk sharing faith, allowing kids to question theirs, and learn about website Karl runs that you've never heard of! When Karl was in junior high, his dad pulled him out of school to attend a life-changing Josh McDowell conference. That ex...
Kidmin Talk #203 - The Shocking Confession of DL Moody at the End of His Life
Kidmin Talk #203 – The Shocking Confession of DL Moody at the End of His LifeIn this episode of Kidmin Talk, I dive into the life and legacy of D.L. Moody, one of the greatest evangelists of all time—who at the end of his incredible lif...