Pastor Ed Newton joins Levi and Jennie for a conversation that’s equal parts hilarious, holy, and deeply healing. From mutual half-Filipino spouses (and the great “Tagalog” debate) to the way Ed grew up as the primary interpreter for his deaf parents, this episode is packed with stories that will make you laugh—and then suddenly swallow a lump in your throat.

Ed opens up about the hidden “not enough” loop that can follow even the most fruitful ministry, the moment (December 26, 2023) he didn’t want to live anymore, and how God met him in the rebuild through counseling and recovery. Along the way, you’ll hear the powerful origin story behind his book Why Not You? Believing What God Believes About You—and why your worst “kryptonite” might just become the very place God writes your greatest strength.

Connect with us on social!

Ed: @pastorednewton

Levi: @levilusko

Jennie: @jennielusko

Fresh Life Church: @freshlife

[Links]

Read Why Not You?: https://bit.ly/49UZBI8

Connect with Pastor Ed: https://bit.ly/4t49zQf

Get the 5 Gallon Bucket: https://bit.ly/sdl4sHY

Get the Lusketeer Sticker: https://bit.ly/sdl4sHY

Subscribe for more exclusive content: https://levilusko.com/hitl-subscribe

0:03:10 – College hoops, ministry dreams, and meeting Stephanie

0:05:32 – The interpreter who changed everything: Ed’s salvation story

0:08:04 – Growing up in a deaf home: the miracle backstory

0:17:44 – “God gave you to us”: the moment that reframed his life

0:33:42 – “We found you on YouTube”: the CBC call and the pivot

0:39:18 – December 26, 2023

Levi and Jennie are back with a LIVE hot-takes edition—reacting to spicy “unpopular opinions” from the Lusketeers and letting the conversation do what it does best: swerve into laughter, rabbit trails, and the occasional “wait… is this actually deep?” moment.

From fish (unless it’s sushi) to airplane toe etiquette, from bowling germs to Disney adults, the banter stays playful—but it also turns thoughtful when the topic shifts to parenting, phones, and the tension between conviction and Christian liberty. Expect strong opinions, zero chill, and at least one memorable chemistry lesson: iron oxide.

Connect with us on social!

Levi: @levilusko

Jennie: @jennielusko

Fresh Life Church: @freshlife

[Links]

Episode 207 with Gracie Binion: https://bit.ly/45rdlZU

Get the 5 Gallon Bucket: https://bit.ly/sdl4sHY

Get the Lusketeer Sticker: https://bit.ly/sdl4sHY

Subscribe for more exclusive content: https://levilusko.com/hitl-subscribe

Time Stamps

0:01:26 – “Fish is disgusting”… unless it’s sushi

0:09:50 – McDonald’s coffee vs Starbucks

0:16:04 – Plane etiquette: socks, sandals, and keeping your toes to yourself

0:22:12 – Bowling is gross… and so is thinking about those finger holes

0:30:53 – Kids, phones, and why “Christian should/shouldn’t” gets complicated

0:40:34 – “Christian music doesn’t exist” + Disney adults + left/right hacks

Jacob Coyne—founder of Stay Here—joins Levi and Jennie for an honest, hope-filled conversation about suicide prevention, mental health, and what it looks like to love people like Jesus when they’re hurting. This episode goes deep, but it’s also packed with practical help and real stories of lives being saved.

You’ll hear how Stay Here equips churches, schools, and students to recognize warning signs, start the conversation, and take action—plus why purpose, community, and courage matter more than we think. And if you’re listening and you’ve been battling dark thoughts, please know this: you’re seen, you’re loved, and help is available. Don’t carry it alone—stay here.

Connect with us on social!

Jacob: @jacobcoyne

Stay Here: @stayhereorg

Levi: @levilusko

Jennie: @jennielusko

Fresh Life Church: @freshlife

[Links]

Stay Here (resources + live chat): https://bit.ly/4r0zmH7

ACT Suicide Prevention Training: https://bit.ly/3LmD5zS

Stay Here Student Ambassador Program: https://bit.ly/3LTmB2g

Stay Here Lifeline Bands: https://bit.ly/3YQGPwx

Get the 5 Gallon Bucket: https://bit.ly/sdl4sHY

Get the Lusketeer Sticker: https://bit.ly/sdl4sHY

Subscribe for more exclusive content: https://levilusko.com/hitl-subscribe

Time Stamps

0:00:03 – A heads-up: this conversation goes heavy (and hopeful)

0:01:46 – Why Jacob started Stay Here after devastating losses

0:07:25 – Lifeline bands, 988 access, and taking hope into schools

0:31:15 – Rocket ship vs. home: choosing to build what lasts

0:50:37 – The ACT training in real life: a bridge, a friend, and a saved life

1:01:35 – If you’re hurting: speak up, get help, and stay here