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Youth Pastor Theologian

Religion & Spirituality Podcas

Youth Pastor Theologian is built on the conviction that youth ministry is theological ministry. But what does that really mean? The YPT Podcast features conversations to help you think theologically about what youth ministry is, and to help you teach theologically with confidence.

Location:

United States

Description:

Youth Pastor Theologian is built on the conviction that youth ministry is theological ministry. But what does that really mean? The YPT Podcast features conversations to help you think theologically about what youth ministry is, and to help you teach theologically with confidence.

Language:

English


Episodes
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70: Youth Ministry and Apologetics in Africa (Kevin Muriithi)

5/7/2024
Although we preach the same gospel, each culture brings distinct questions and challenges for pastoral ministry. What can Western youth workers learn from African youth leaders and pastors? Dr. Kevin Muriithi is a Lecturer and Head of Department in Practical Theology at School of Theology at St. Paul’s University, Kenya and is an affiliated Research Fellow in the Department of Practical Theology and Missiology, Stellenbosch University, South Africa. He brings pastoral ministry experiences to theological education, especially his years of serving in youth ministry. He’s recently published “Apologetics in Africa” through Langham Press, which is the main topic of today’s conversation. Study: Global Youth Culture (OneHope) Dr. Muriithi’s blog: theogrimage.com Order Apologetics in Africa on Amazon or through Langham Publishing (free shipping) Follow Dr. Muriithi on Twitter/X: @ndereba Join YPT's Facebook group: @youththeologian (make sure you answer the membership questions) Follow YPT on Twitter: @youththeologian Follow YPT on Instagram: @youththeologian YPT's ebook, Youth Ministry is Theological Ministry, is a free download for subscribers. This book captures the essence of Youth Pastor Theologian in one ten-chapter book, written by six different contributors from across America, Mexico, and the UK.

Duration:00:46:25

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69: Contextualization in Youth Ministry (Mike Dicker)

4/30/2024
Good and faithful youth ministry can look very different from context to context, and yet we often define “What is youth ministry” by the form it takes rather than the essence. Today we’re going to talk about contextualization with Mike Dicker from YouthWorks College in Sydney, Australia. Learn more about YouthWorks and YouthWorks College Join YPT's Facebook group: @youththeologian (make sure you answer the membership questions) Follow YPT on Twitter: @youththeologian Follow YPT on Instagram: @youththeologian YPT's ebook, Youth Ministry is Theological Ministry, is a free download for subscribers. This book captures the essence of Youth Pastor Theologian in one ten-chapter book, written by six different contributors from across America, Mexico, and the UK.

Duration:00:50:39

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68: Should Youth Ministry be Incarnational? (Tim Gough)

4/23/2024
We often anchor relational discipleship in Christ’s incarnation, but is that the best biblical and theological foundation? In what ways might “Incarnational Ministry” have shaped the way we think about the Incarnation, rather than it being the other way around? For this reason, it’s important to get clear on the doctrine of the incarnation as we evaluate the biblical heart of relational ministry. Discussion Tim Gough is the center director for YFC in North Wales, chief editor for the Grove Youth series of books, and adjunct lecturer in youth ministry at various colleges in the UK, and is pursuing his PhD at University of Manchester. Order Tim's book, Rebooted: Reclaiming Youth Ministry for the Long Haul (IVP UK, 2019) Follow Tim on Twitter/X: @timgoughuk Follow Tim on YouTube: Youth Work Hacks Join YPT's Facebook group: @youththeologian (make sure you answer the membership questions) Follow YPT on Twitter: @youththeologian Follow YPT on Instagram: @youththeologian YPT's ebook, Youth Ministry is Theological Ministry, is a free download for subscribers. This book captures the essence of Youth Pastor Theologian in one ten-chapter book, written by six different contributors from across America, Mexico, and the UK.

Duration:00:40:12

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67: Post-Confirmation Discipleship in Norway (Bård Norheim)

4/16/2024
Ministry to students after confirmation (or baptism, depending on tradition) can pose some unique challenges. Bård Norheim shares about "post-confirmation leadership training" in Norway, a nationwide effort by churches to prioritize discipleship and to help youth cultivate enduring faith by finding their belonging in their church community. Bård Norheim is professor of theology, religion and philosophy, NLA Bergen University College in Norway. He is also coauthor (with Jos de Kock) of The Five Questions: An Academic Handbook in Youth Ministry Research. Join YPT's Facebook group: @youththeologian (make sure you answer the membership questions) Follow YPT on Twitter: @youththeologian Follow YPT on Instagram: @youththeologian YPT's ebook, Youth Ministry is Theological Ministry, is a free download for subscribers. This book captures the essence of Youth Pastor Theologian in one ten-chapter book, written by six different contributors from across America, Mexico, and the UK.

Duration:00:42:52

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66: Christian Universalism and GenZ (Andrew Slay)

4/9/2024
Christian Universalism is a subtle heresy that's frighteningly common among GenZ today. It's a way that teenagers can affirm that "Christ is the only savior" and make other gospel-sounding affirmations while fully embracing the hyper-tolerant worldview of today's culture. In today's conversation, we discuss what Christian Universalism is and how youth workers can help students build their faith on the biblical message. Discussion Questions: Andrew Slay is an Assistant Pastor at Westwood Baptist Church in Cleveland, TN, where he oversees ministry to high school and middle school students. He’s working on his PhD in Apologetics and Culture from NOBTS. Recommended Resources The following books include Amazon Affiliate links, which provide YPT with a small financial benefit. We use these to continue providing you with the content you so enjoy. Thank you for your support. The Devil’s Redemption: A New History and Interpretation of Christian UniversalismFour Views on HellAre There Two Wills in God? What is the Gospel?Is Christian Universalism True?Prepared to Answer Podcast, Jesus Teaches on Hell (or does he?) Join YPT's Facebook group: @youththeologian (make sure you answer the membership questions) Follow YPT on Twitter: @youththeologian Follow YPT on Instagram: @youththeologian YPT's ebook, Youth Ministry is Theological Ministry, is a free download for subscribers. This book captures the essence of Youth Pastor Theologian in one ten-chapter book, written by six different contributors from across America, Mexico, and the UK.

Duration:00:43:01

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65: Being God's Image (Carmen Joy Imes)

4/2/2024
The Image of God (or Imago Dei) is one of the most important doctrines for youth pastors to teach teenagers, because almost every cultural landmine today finds its resolution in what it means to bear the image of God. That’s why I’m excited to be talking with Dr. Imes today about her new book, Being God’s Image. Recommendations: Being God's Image: Why Creation Still MattersGod’s Provision, Humanity’s Need: The Gift of Our DependenceEvery Woman’s Study BibleResourcing Theological Anthropology: A Constructive Account of Humanity in the Light of Christ Follow Dr. Imes' Youtube Channel for Torah Tuesday videos Join YPT's Facebook group: @youththeologian (make sure you answer the membership questions) Follow YPT on Twitter: @youththeologian Follow YPT on Instagram: @youththeologian YPT's ebook, Youth Ministry is Theological Ministry, is a free download for subscribers. It's a great way to discover more about YPT's vision for theologically-grounded ministry to youth.

Duration:00:52:42

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64: Preaching in Youth Ministry (John Gardner)

3/26/2024
The youth pastor’s authority comes from the Word of God. When we stray from teaching the Bible then we lose the capacity to say “Thus says the Lord.” Teenagers don’t need more opinions, they need God’s Word. But how can normal youth leaders teach with biblical depth and pastoral warmth? Discussion Questions John Gardner is the Youth Pastor at Grace Longmont, just north of Denver Colorado. He has earned his D.Min. in Expository Preaching from Southern Baptist Theological Seminary, which is what we’ll be talking about today. Resources Mentioned How to Develop an Exegetical-Theological Series in Youth GroupBrain MattersPreaching God’s WordA Vision for PreachingSimeon Trust Workshops Join YPT's Facebook group: @youththeologian (make sure you answer the membership questions) Follow YPT on Twitter: @youththeologian Follow YPT on Instagram: @youththeologian YPT's ebook, Youth Ministry is Theological Ministry, is a free download for subscribers. This book captures the essence of Youth Pastor Theologian in one ten-chapter book, written by six different contributors from across America, Mexico, and the UK.

Duration:00:46:04

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63: Ministry to Single Parent Families (Anna Meade Harris)

3/19/2024
Partnering with parents is an essential part of biblical youth ministry. But "family ministry" can sometimes assume a certain type of family - namely, mom and dad with kids living independently. But 1/3 of kids in America today are living in a single-parent household. In this episode, we'll hear from Anna Meade Harris about her new book, "God’s Grace for Every Family: Biblical Encouragement for Single Parent Families and the Churches That Seek to Love Them Well." Discussion Includes: Anna Meade Harris is the Senior Director of Content for the Rooted Ministry and the mom of three adult sons. God’s Grace for Every Family: Biblical Encouragement for Single Parent Families and the Churches That Seek to Love Them Well, releasing March 2024 through Zondervan. Recommendations Lead Them to Jesus: A Handbook for Youth WorkersFinding My Father: How the Gospel Heals the Pain of FatherlessnessThe Wounded HealerBeyond the Darkness: A Gentle Guide for Living with Grief and Thriving after LossDivorceCare Ministry Join YPT's Facebook group: @youththeologian (make sure you answer the membership questions) Follow YPT on Twitter: @youththeologian Follow YPT on Instagram: @youththeologian YPT's ebook, Youth Ministry is Theological Ministry, is a free download for subscribers. This book captures the essence of Youth Pastor Theologian in one ten-chapter book, written by six different contributors from across America, Mexico, and the UK. Note: some of the links above feature Amazon Affiliate links, which bring a small financial benefit to YPT. We use these credits to develop the free resources you enjoy. Thank you for your support.

Duration:00:51:09

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62. The Religious Lives of Australian Youth (Graham Stanton)

3/12/2024
Researchers have conducted a study on the religious lives of Australian youth, and there's much to be learned that translates across cultural boundaries. In this episode, Mike talks with Dr. Graham Stanton about this research and what it can mean for fruitful youth discipleship. Dr. Graham Stanton is the Director of the Centre for Children’s and Youth Ministry and Lecturer in Practical Theology at Ridley College in Melbourne, Australia. He is also an ordained Anglican minister and has been serving in youth ministry at some capacity for over three decades. Recommendations in this episode: AntiFragile: Things That Gain From Disorder, by Nassim Nicholas TalebEpisode 21: Top Down & Bottom Up Ministry (Gareth Crispin and Robin Barfield)Episode 25: Faith, Doubt, and Everything (Matt Bellefeuille) Follow Dr. Stanton on Twitter/X: @GDStanton Learn more about Ridley College Join YPT's Facebook group: @youththeologian (make sure you answer the membership questions) Follow YPT on Twitter: @youththeologian Follow YPT on Instagram: @youththeologian YPT's ebook, Youth Ministry is Theological Ministry, is a free download for subscribers. This book captures the essence of Youth Pastor Theologian in one ten-chapter book, written by six different contributors from across America, Mexico, and the UK.

Duration:00:39:35

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Episode 61: Practical Advice on Relational Youth Ministry (Joey Molloy)

3/4/2024
It’s good to talk about theologically rich youth ministry, but if youth leaders don’t know how to have normal conversations and build relationships with youth then they’re never going to get to the theological gold. This conversation with Joey Molloy will help youth workers with some of the nuts and bolts of youth ministry we sometimes take for granted. Joey Molloy is the Executive Ministry Director of Implementa and Camp Cherith in Ottowa Canada. Learn more about Implementa and their Certificate in Youth Ministry program. Follow Joey on Instagram or Twitter or Facebook Join YPT's Facebook group: @youththeologian (make sure you answer the membership questions) Follow YPT on Twitter: @youththeologian Follow YPT on Instagram: @youththeologian YPT's ebook, Youth Ministry is Theological Ministry, is a free download for subscribers. This book captures the essence of Youth Pastor Theologian in one ten-chapter book, written by six different contributors from across America, Mexico, and the UK.

Duration:00:46:14

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Episode 60: Good Leadership in Youth Ministry (Beau Johnson)

2/27/2024
Leadership matters. That should be a pretty obvious statement, but sometimes theologically-minded pastors can struggle to discern how much overlap really exists between pastoral leadership and leadership in other spheres. Today we’ll be talking about leadership, spiritual gifts, and the “Six Types of Working Genius” in order to help you lead your volunteers, parents, and students more effectively. Beau Johnson Invents and Galvanizes as the Director of Operations for the Table Group and has served as a youth pastor and in other areas of pastoral ministry before joining the Table Group… and I’m really exited to have him join us today. He and his family live in Utah. Working Genius assessment: first 500 YPT listeners can take this assessment for free! More Resources Six Types of Working GeniusWorking Genius PodcastAt the Table with Patrick LencioniThe Table Group Join YPT's Facebook group: @youththeologian (make sure you answer the membership questions) Follow YPT on Twitter: @youththeologian Follow YPT on Instagram: @youththeologian YPT's ebook, Youth Ministry is Theological Ministry, is a free download for subscribers. This book captures the essence of Youth Pastor Theologian in one ten-chapter book, written by six different contributors from across America, Mexico, and the UK.

Duration:00:47:33

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Episode 59: So Much More Than Sex (Scott Stein)

2/20/2024
Sex has become central to people’s identity, lifestyle, and even community. But what if sex points to something even greater? Something eternally glorious, determined by God before the world was created? This episode focuses on So Much More Than Sex, a new video-based series for young adults. Scott Stein is the founder of Prepared to Answer, an apologetics ministry in Ontario Canada. PTA is also the supervising ministry for YPT, so if you enjoy this podcast then you are deeply indebted to Scott and the PTA team. Discussion includes: Recommended Resources from the Conversation Our Bodies Tell God’s Story: Discovering the Divine Plan for Love, Sex, and GenderHoly Sexuality and the Gospel: Sex, Desire, and Relationships Shaped by God’s Grand StorySpeaking of Homosexuality: Discussing the Issues with Clarity and KindnessTactics: A Game Plan for Discussing Your Christian ConvictionsHoly Sexuality Project Follow Prepared to Answer on Instagram: @preparedtoanswer Follow Prepared to Answer on Facebook: @preparedtoanswer Follow Prepared to Answer on YouTube: @preparedtoanswer Join YPT's Facebook group: @youththeologian (make sure you answer the membership questions) Follow YPT on Twitter: @youththeologian Follow YPT on Instagram: @youththeologian YPT's ebook, Youth Ministry is Theological Ministry, is a free download for subscribers. This book captures the essence of Youth Pastor Theologian in one ten-chapter book, written by six different contributors from across America, Mexico, and the UK.

Duration:00:41:50

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Episode 58: Biblical Youth Ministry in Hard Places (Tim Beilharz)

2/13/2024
It’s easy to continue leading our youth ministries the way we’ve seen them run for the last few decades. But it’s more important to build our ministries on a biblical foundation. Instead of making our ministry less relevant to secular youth, maybe this is exactly the type of student ministry they need. Today we’ll hear from Tim Beilharz in Australia about biblical youth ministry in hard places. Discussion Features: Tim Beilharz is a children’s ministry advisor, lecturer, trainer and writer for Anglican Youthworks. He is also the Children’s Pastor at Soul Revival Church. Tim is currently enrolled in pre-PhD work at Macquarie University, researching the social nature of childhood faith formation in the context of intergenerational church communities. Tim lives in Sydney, Australia with his wife and kids. Resources Intergenerational Christian FormationPractical TheologyCross-generational MinistryEffective Ministry ToolEffective Ministry PodcastTimbeilharz.com Follow Tim on Twitter/X: @timbeilharz Follow YouthWorks on Twitter/X: @youthworks Join YPT's Facebook group: @youththeologian (make sure you answer the membership questions) Follow YPT on Twitter: @youththeologian Follow YPT on Instagram: @youththeologian YPT's ebook, Youth Ministry is Theological Ministry, is a free download for subscribers. This book captures the essence of Youth Pastor Theologian in one ten-chapter book, written by six different contributors from across America, Mexico, and the UK.

Duration:00:53:02

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Episode 57: More to the Story (Jennifer Kvamme)

2/6/2024
On one hand, it seems like everyone is talking about sexuality and gender so it’s easy to feel numb to people saying it’s a big deal. But on the other hand… isn’t that the point. Everyone’s talking about it, but are they talking about it helpfully and in a way that offers counsel that’s both biblical and practical for teenagers? Today’s conversation will point your attention to a new resource that will help your students and parents. More to the Story: Deep Answers to Real Questions on Attraction, Identity, and Relationships Jennifer M. Kvamme is passionate about helping teenagers see the beauty of the gospel and apply it to all of life. She’s been in youth ministry at Centennial Church in Forest Lake, MN, for 20 years, and is also on the director team for the Challenge youth conference. Jennifer is the author of More to the Story and a contributor to the EFCA Blog. She’s married to Greg and they have three children. Order More to the Story (affiliate link) Join YPT's Facebook group: @youththeologian (make sure you answer the membership questions) Follow YPT on Twitter: @youththeologian Follow YPT on Instagram: @youththeologian YPT's ebook, Youth Ministry is Theological Ministry, is a free download for subscribers. This book captures the essence of Youth Pastor Theologian in one ten-chapter book, written by six different contributors from across America, Mexico, and the UK.

Duration:00:35:24

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Episode 56: How Can Youth Workers Partner with Parents (Anna Meade Harris)

1/29/2024
Every youth pastor knows they should prioritize partnering with parents, but it’s really hard to do for a variety of reasons. This is especially true for younger youth pastors. Let’s talk about what partnering with parents looks like and how you can get started. Anna Meade Harris is the Senior Director of Content for the Rooted Ministry and the mom of three adult sons. God’s Grace for Every Family: Biblical Encouragement for Single Parent Families and the Churches That Seek to Love Them Well, releasing March 2024 through Zondervan. Join YPT's Facebook group: @youththeologian (make sure you answer the membership questions) Follow YPT on Twitter: @youththeologian Follow YPT on Instagram: @youththeologian YPT has published an ebook that's a free download for subscribers! Youth Ministry is Theological Ministry captures the essence of Youth Pastor Theologian in one ten-chapter book, written by six different contributors from across America, Mexico, and the UK.

Duration:00:51:45

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Episode 55: Urban Youth Ministry and Theological Depth (Jordan Francis)

1/23/2024
Theological depth is important in every ministry context. In this episode, Jordan Francis shares about urban youth ministry and how theological depth applies to inner-city youth. This is a valuable conversation for all youth workers to hear and benefit from. Jordan Francis is the founder of Reframe Youth and is a Christian Therapist in Phoenix. Discussion Questions: Learn more about Reframe Youth at reframeyouth.com, Youtube, and on Facebook Learn more about the Urban Youth Workers Institute Join YPT's Facebook group: @youththeologian (make sure you answer the membership questions) Follow YPT on Twitter: @youththeologian Follow YPT on Instagram: @youththeologian YPT's ebook, Youth Ministry is Theological Ministry, is a free download for subscribers. This book captures the essence of Youth Pastor Theologian in one ten-chapter book, written by six different contributors from across America, Mexico, and the UK.

Duration:00:46:33

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Episode 54: Discipling New Believers (Aaron Armstrong)

12/12/2023
Discipling new believers is a blessed challenge. Youth pastor theologians need to be thoughtful and have a plan for how to help students in the weeks and months after they make a profession of faith. But how?! Conversation Includes: I’m a Christian – Now What? Aaron Armstrong is the author of several books for adults and children, documentary screenwriter, ministry leader, and podcaster. His most recent book I’m a Christian—Now What? A Guide to Your New Life with Christ (Lexham Press, 2023). Recommended Resources NET BibleAaronarmstrong.co InstagramThreads Above links include Amazon Affiliate links, which bring a small financial benefit to YPT, which we use to provide you with new resources. Join YPT's Facebook group: @youththeologian (make sure you answer the membership questions) Follow YPT on Twitter: @youththeologian Follow YPT on Instagram: @youththeologian YPT's ebook, Youth Ministry is Theological Ministry, is a free download for subscribers. This book captures the essence of Youth Pastor Theologian in one ten-chapter book, written by six different contributors from across America, Mexico, and the UK.

Duration:00:48:58

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Episode 53: Video Games and Youth Ministry (Patrick Miller)

12/5/2023
Video games are big business, but most Christian leaders either don’t take them seriously or only criticize them as a waste of time. How can youth workers begin to think theologically about the allure and world building of video games, while also thinking critically about addiction in order to engage gamers more effectively? Discussion Includes: Patrick Miller is a pastor at The Crossing. He hosts the podcast Truth over Tribe and is the coauthor of a book by the same name. He is married to Emily and they have two kids. Recommended Resources The Case for Taking Video Games SeriouslyPatrick’s podcast: Truth Over TribePatrick’s book: Truth Over TribeLove Thy NerdTV Preacher GuyJon Rush Above links include Amazon Affiliate links, which bring a small financial benefit to YPT, which we use to provide you with new resources. Join YPT's Facebook group: @youththeologian (make sure you answer the membership questions) Follow YPT on Twitter: @youththeologian Follow YPT on Instagram: @youththeologian YPT's ebook, Youth Ministry is Theological Ministry, is a free download for subscribers. This book captures the essence of Youth Pastor Theologian in one ten-chapter book, written by six different contributors from across America, Mexico, and the UK.

Duration:00:45:56

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Episode 52: Intentional Youth Missions (Alison Woodrow)

11/28/2023
Youth Ministry has a long legacy of commitment to missions, but where can that go wrong and how can we think more strategically about giving students a vision for the Great Commission? European Mission Fellowship Alison Woodrow is the Engagement Support Lead for European Mission Fellowship, a gospel-centered ministry based in the UK who supports pastors and missionaries across Europe. Learn more about EMF on Facebook, Twitter/X, and YouTube Join YPT's Facebook group: @youththeologian (make sure you answer the membership questions) Follow YPT on Twitter: @youththeologian Follow YPT on Instagram: @youththeologian YPT's ebook, Youth Ministry is Theological Ministry, is a free download for subscribers. This book captures the essence of Youth Pastor Theologian in one ten-chapter book, written by six different contributors from across America, Mexico, and the UK.

Duration:00:43:17

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Episode 51: Church Membership for Teenagers? (Justin Wong)

11/21/2023
Should teenagers become members of the local church? If so, what does that involve - can they vote, join boards and hold positions of leadership? This is a question an increasing number of youth workers are asking, and Justin Wong joins the podcast to chew on it with you. Discussion includes: Justin Wong is the Pastor to Youth at Chinese Baptist Church in Houston, TX. He has earned his Doctor of Ministry degree and is currently working on his Doctor of Education. Justin and his wife have who daughters. Join YPT's Facebook group: @youththeologian (make sure you answer the membership questions) Follow YPT on Twitter: @youththeologian Follow YPT on Instagram: @youththeologian YPT's ebook, Youth Ministry is Theological Ministry, is a free download for subscribers. This book captures the essence of Youth Pastor Theologian in one ten-chapter book, written by six different contributors from across America, Mexico, and the UK.

Duration:00:52:20