Photo by Benedict Esposito 

ATLANTA—A groundbreaking podcast has inspired a new sense of community among Atlanta’s young adults. In September, The Quest 1160 AM, Atlanta Catholic Radio, launched “Honest to God.” 

Produced in panel format, this program strives to deepen the faith of young adults ages 18 to 40, or anyone young at heart. “Honest to God” invites listeners to journey with Atlanta-area young adults through each step of their journey toward Jesus.  

The Quest Atlanta co-founder, Janice Givens, first envisioned the podcast in 2018. Givens is a parishioner of St. Luke Church in Dahlonega.  

“There’s endless topics and limitless young adults around that want to be heard and have things to say,” said Givens.   

Honest to God launched on Sept. 8, The Feast of the Nativity of the Blessed Virgin Mary.  

“I thought how appropriate to start on Our Lady’s birthday,” said Givens. “The Holy Spirit has led this from the beginning.” 

In 1996, Givens started the Young Adult Ministry (YAM) for the Archdiocese of Atlanta. According to Givens, young adults have flocked to the podcast.  

“During show recordings, we sometimes have 25 people here,” Givens said.  

John Henry Spann, parishioner of Our Lady of the Mountains Church in Jasper, hosted all six “Honest to God” episodes. Fittingly, the first episode “Ready… Set… Go!” featured Givens and three others, while Spann led the program as the host. Spann is a husband, father of four and dean of academics at St. John Bosco Academy in Cumming.  

Following his departure from a youth minister position, Spann answered the call of the Holy Spirit after a phone conversation with Givens.  

“I know anything from Janice Givens is Holy Spirit-inspired,” Spann said, “I have no idea how to understand God’s will, so I listen to those who I trust and those who I want to be like.”  

Spann was featured on the popular YouTube show, “Pints with Aquinas” on the “Raising Kids in Sodom” episode which first aired Feb. 28. His charisma creates a listening experience, empowering a connection between each panelist while allowing the Holy Spirit to lead the conversation.  

“I want the people to learn the capital T—Truth about our faith,” Spann said.

The show’s theme is about finding community. 

“Young adults’ faith can slip after high school and they need outreach,” he said.  

“Honest to God” is broadcast every Saturday from 4-5 p.m. and is featured on The Quest Atlanta, YouTube and Spotify.  

“Honest to God” is looking for volunteers to be involved in the areas of social media, group liaison, marketing, hospitality, pre/post production, outreach and as prayer team members. If interested, send an email to youngadults@thequestatlanta.com.