Explore every episode of the podcast Red Rocks Austin

In episode 89 of the pod, we are joined by Shawn Johnson—senior pastor, amateur boxer, part-time scorpion wrangler. We talk air-conditioning-less barns, near-terminal diagnoses, how to Kiss the Fire and cry more.

4 Couples. 4 Services. Decades of wisdom.

We live in a world with infinite information and very little wisdom. In this special edition of How To: Relationships, Ethan sits down with kingdom couples to download real learned and earned wisdom and to find practical ways to build world changing, Jesus centered marriages!

4 Couples. 4 Services. Decades of wisdom.

We live in a world with infinite information and very little wisdom. In this special edition of How To: Relationships, Ethan sits down with kingdom couples to download real learned and earned wisdom and to find practical ways to build world changing, Jesus centered marriages!

4 Couples. 4 Services. Decades of wisdom.

We live in a world with infinite information and very little wisdom. In this special edition of How To: Relationships, Ethan sits down with kingdom couples to download real learned and earned wisdom and to find practical ways to build world changing, Jesus centered marriages!

Clingers, but not the kind you’re thinking—Doug unpacks how most of us are in a dysfunctional relationship… with our phones. From phantom vibrations to stolen joy, this message exposes how the device in our pocket might be what’s quietly breaking our connection with God and the people we love most. A wake-up call to live with intention, not just good intentions.

Greg Larson walked away from everything—social media, smartphones, even Google Maps. No internet, no distractions, just a landline, a library, and a deeper kind of Presence. We talk about the loneliness that broke him, the silence that healed him, and the spiritual clarity that came when he finally unplugged.

Culture tells us keep her happy. The Bible says keep her healthy. The design of marriage is challenging but beautiful. To find it we have to go to the designer to learn how to love each other.

Dating apps, gender gaps, and why the real questions are never about the dishes.
Am I enough? Do I have what it takes?

Today’s dating dilemma is real—we’ve idolized romance, over-spiritualized choices, and filtered real people through fake expectations. Ryan calls us back to the firm foundation for our relationships, reminding us that marriage isn’t the finish line—Jesus is.

In episode 86, the guys sit down with comedian Donald Gee—touring comic, fake Frenchman, and possibly the most powerful Donald in America. We talk stand-up, SXSW, throwing phones through walls, and why faith still holds up in a world that laughs at it.

It’s controversial to say, but men and women are different. Culture pits our differences against each, when they should be an invitation to collaborate with each other. We’re not at war—we’re wired different. From pink suitcases to the wounds we carry, Doug unpacks how men and women were formed, fractured, and filled up differently… yet finished the same by a God who knows exactly what we need.

In episode 85, the guys unpack baptism weekend, skydiving faith, and why following Jesus never gets old. Featuring special appearances: Kyler the After Thinker, Uncle Greg, Johnny Austin, and a whole lot of revival.

In episode 84, the guys cover draft-day disrespect, spiritual hangovers, and why God’s way really is better. Featuring special appearances: Chris Roob, Doug the Dog, and Mount Eastermore.

The world promises fulfillment and leaves us empty. But Jesus offers a new life—one we could never earn and can never lose. From wake-up calls to prison walls, this is the story of a Savior who calls the least likely and breathes resurrection into dead places. What are you waiting for?

From scars to resurrection, from shame to truth, Easter reminds us that the tomb is empty… and love still walks through walls.

In this Easter message, Pastor Doug Wekenman shows how Jesus meets us in our doubt, carries our pain, and invites us to lead our hearts to something greater than our feelings—truth.

In this week's episode, the guys give us some behind the scenes of The Newscast, the differences, Olive Garden and Texas Roadhouse, how to gaslight yourself and a deeper look on the decisions Jesus made during the week leading to the cross.

Peter failed. Judas betrayed. But only one of them made it back. In this Holy Week message, Pastor Doug Wekenman unpacks how Jesus responds to our failure—and why love, not law or logic, is what leads us to the cross.

Emily Roob from Red Rocks Worship joins the pod! We talk married life, Monarchs, worship leading, and the power of Mary’s sacrifice as she poured out her perfume on Jesus.

What’s Jesus really worth to you? In Week 4 of Holy Week, Ethan Matott walks through a story of worship and betrayal—where one disciple sells Jesus out, and one woman pours out everything she has.

QuestionsWithKayla… replaced by AnswersWithAJ??? Breaking news?
Ep 81 is packed—Coach Prime, Tiger bets, and real talk about surrender during Holy Week - Week 3. Ryan breaks down the altar moments, Doug’s writing a book, and Ethan’s gecko finally has a name.

What impresses Jesus? In Week 3 of Holy Week, Ryan Wekenman answers that question by unpacking the story about paying taxes to Caesar. Jesus flips the question and reminds us what actually impresses Him: surrender and sacrifice.

The crew is finally back. In episode 80, the guys cover the hard hitting topics we've all been waiting for: Spiderman the Gecko, WatchDoug vs. The Little Mermaid, stupid holidays, and what tables Jesus might be flipping in our lives.

Jesus walked into the temple and flipped the whole thing upside down. But Jesus wasn’t just making a scene, He was making a statement. In Week 2 of Holy Week, Ryan Wekenman explains why Jesus cleared the temple and what that means for you.

We want a king—but do we really want this King? In Week 1 of Holy Week, Ethan Matott unpacks why Jesus’ entry into Jerusalem wasn’t just a celebration, but a confrontation that we all need to wrestle with.

For the first time ever, AfterThinkers join the podcast LIVE from SXSW in Austin, Texas. In partnership with SVC, the guys are joined by comedians Donald Gee and Andrew Stanley to talk about the challenges of clean comedy, Doug cussing on stage, and Ethan giving Andrew's dad a new fear for his life. All filmed in front of a live studio audience.

Why is it so hard to pray? In Week 6 of MORE, Ryan Wekenman breaks down why prayer feels so hard, why guilt keeps us from praying more, and what Jesus actually says about talking to our Father.

For this special AC Project Reunion episode, the guys reunite with their former co-star and best friend, Matt Fons. They share an exclusive look at their year abroad filming the documentary, diving into stories about life, mental health, artificial intelligence, and their high school rock band.

We’ve never had more options, yet there’s never been less decisions. They say we’re the most indecisive generation in history. In Week 5 of MORE, Doug Wekenman unpacks how God will go before you—but He won’t decide for you. At some point, you have to make the call. So what are you waiting for?

In Episode 77, the guys dive into topics such as worry, surrender, the best explanation of the trinity, and why Dustin Johnson has life figured out. If stress is just bad math, why do we keep investing in it? 

The world has lots of tips and tricks for getting more sleep, yet we’re more exhausted than ever. In Week Four of More, Ryan takes us through the sermon on the mount—Jesus’ guide to a good night sleep. 

The story of Jesus walking on water invites us into more steps of faith. But it also asks the question: why were 11 guys still in the boat? What’s keeping you in the boat when Jesus invites you onto the waters of more?

What’s the key to a thriving relationship? How do expectations shape love and communication? And why does Doug HATE Valentine’s Day? In this Valentine’s Day special, Ethan, Ryan, Stef, and Sam dive into relationships, trust, and the truth about their past.

Life’s too short to live on autopilot. In Week 2 of “MORE,” Doug Wekenman challenges us to make every moment count by living with intention, prioritizing what matters, and stepping into the life God has for us. What could change if you lived with more intention?

Ethan and Ryan tackle life’s biggest questions: What’s the ultimate post-fast meal? How often should a man get a haircut? And would you rather cross a desert on a camel or an elephant? Somewhere in between, they also dive into the mindsets that shape our lives—breaking old patterns, embracing God’s truth, and learning how to step into more.

What if the biggest thing holding you back is your mindset? In Week 1 of “mORE,” Ryan Wekenman challenges us to let go of limiting beliefs and step into the truth of who God says we are. Are you ready for more?

Red Rocks Senior Pastor Shawn Johnson joins to talk about amazing and painful memories of the church and gets real about life as a Pastor, husband and dad.

We celebrate 20 year of Red Rocks Church by looking back with gratitude at all God has done. When we are grateful for God's past faithfulness, and we remind ourselves of it, we are able to build our faith for more miracles in the future.

In the midst of unprecedented inclement weather, Ethan, Ryan, and Kayla (from Questions With Kayla) courageously brave the storm to bring all of the Afterthinkers™ this once-in-a-lifetime Afterthoughts Snowcast. They (snow) plow into topics such as, the 12 hour ban of TikTok, can you actually change the world, and what does it mean to disciple someone?

Do you want to change the world? In Week 3 of “Get Ready,” Ethan Matott reminds us that true change starts with stepping into our identity as disciples of Jesus. It’s an invitation to join the greatest mission we could ever live.

What is your purpose? Why are you here? What do whales have to do with worship? And what’s so great about granite? In today’s episode we answer these question and more!

You were made on purpose, for a purpose. In Week 2 of “Get Ready,” Doug Wekenman unpacks how God designed us with intention and invites us to step into the masterpiece we were created to be. Are you ready to discover who God made you to be and what He’s calling you to do?

What is fasting and why does it matter? Ethan, Ryan, and Doug break down what the Bible says about it and share their best fasting stories of failure attempts and huge moves in their lives.

Expecting a miracle means preparing for it. As we begin the new series “Get Ready,” Doug explores what it means to live with expectation and faith. Drawing from the story of Joshua, this message challenges us to consecrate ourselves and trust God as we step into a new season. Are you ready for the extraordinary things God wants to do in your life this year?

Happy New Years, Afterthinkers!

Merry Christmas, Afterthinkers!

Joy usually isn’t the word most people use to describe their Christmas. But the night Jesus was born, an angel reminded some shepherds that the good news will cause great joy. In this message, Ryan reminds us that the good news will bring great joy to all people, all the time.

The Missing Peace

In today’s episode, the guys discuss such things as YouTube comments, the Heisman Trophy, Control vs. Surrender, and Christmas Stuff.

December can be a difficult month. When things get crazy, it can be easy to try to control our lives instead of surrendering. This week, Ryan takes us through the story of King Herod and talks about how dangerous control can be.

In this episode, the guys discuss such topics as nature, Doug drinking very loudly while Ethan is talking, phones, Christmas season, College football, and everything else.