Our March Fatness bracket finally crowns a champion as Chick-fil-A edges out Dunkin' by a mere three votes! We celebrate with a table full of fast food while dissecting what makes these chains so beloved. The secret to Chick-fil-A's success? Operational excellence, consistently delicious chicken, and a drive-thru system so efficient it should run our national elections. Meanwhile, Dunkin' has transcended being just a coffee shop to become a cultural identity marker in New England.

The conversation reveals fascinating aspects of brand loyalty that go beyond product quality. We debate whether Five Guys gives too many fries (is that really a problem?), why Texas Roadhouse surprisingly dominated the sit-down category, and whether Dunkin coffee deserves its popularity. Most excitingly, Chick-fil-A actually responded to our social media post about their victory with "three cheers for chicken," launching a brief but thrilling conversation with the brand.

After gorging ourselves on nuggets, fries, and milkshakes, we transition to weightier matters—Jesus' farewell message to his disciples in John 15-17. These chapters contain his final teaching before being betrayed and crucified, making them particularly significant. Central to Jesus's message is the command to "remain" or "abide" in him, like branches connected to a vine. In our distraction-filled world, the discipline of silence and solitude has become increasingly difficult yet vital for spiritual growth.

As you enter the Easter season, we encourage you to read these powerful chapters and reflect on what it means to abide in Christ. How might prioritizing this relationship produce lasting fruit in your life? As Jesus himself promised just before facing the cross, "Take heart, because I have overcome the world."

The milestone 25th episode of the Plugged In Podcast takes listeners behind the scenes of Youth Arts Ministry (YAM) in Massachusetts—a vibrant program where creativity, faith, and community intersect to develop the next generation of artistic leaders.

As students prepare for their annual overnight event and finale performance, hosts Matt, Nate, and Loreita reflect on what makes YAM so special. From the digital communications class producing professional videos to the four-part harmony benediction that echoes through headquarters at the end of each gathering, YAM creates meaningful experiences that transcend typical music education.

The episode highlights how this program has evolved while maintaining its core purpose of discipleship through artistic development. Particularly moving is the generational impact—former students now returning as faculty members, creating a beautiful cycle of mentorship. The hosts share lighthearted "superlative awards" for both students and faculty, revealing the deep personal connections formed throughout the season.

But YAM isn't just about performances. The podcast celebrates the unseen contributions that make the program possible: divisional officers preparing homemade meals, volunteers handling setup and cleanup, and the community of support that surrounds each student. As one host reflects, "The journey is the reward"—while the finale concert provides a wonderful culmination, the real transformation happens in monthly gatherings where relationships are built and young people discover how their gifts can serve a greater purpose.

Whether you're involved in arts ministry or simply curious about innovative approaches to youth development, this episode offers a heartwarming glimpse into a program that combines artistic excellence with spiritual formation. Listen now and discover why YAM has become such a beloved tradition in Massachusetts.

When disaster strikes, who's already on the ground providing hot meals, hydration, and a comforting presence? Emily Mew, Director of Emergency Disaster Services for the Salvation Army in Massachusetts, takes us behind the scenes of emergency response in this compelling conversation.

Growing up watching her father serve as a firefighter and EMT, Emily developed a natural passion for helping others in crisis. Today, she orchestrates a network of mobile canteens strategically positioned across Massachusetts, ready to deploy at a moment's notice. These aren't just food trucks – they're command centers for hope when communities need it most.

The reality of disaster work isn't what most people imagine. As Emily reveals, emergencies don't politely wait for convenient timing. They strike "all the time, anytime, in the middle of the night, on holidays," requiring responders to maintain constant readiness. This unpredictability shapes everything from family dynamics to self-care practices, with Emily noting that after days of grabbing quick snacks on deployment, she often craves simple nutrition – "I just need a salad."

One of the most fascinating revelations is about "the bunker" in Framingham – an underground Cold War-era facility with curved entrance ramps designed to prevent gas penetration, massive steel doors, and even a morgue. This glimpse into disaster preparedness infrastructure highlights the decades of planning behind each emergency response.

For those inspired to help, Emily explains how volunteers can easily register through the Salvation Army's database to receive training and credentials. Whether you're interested in serving meals from a canteen or supporting behind the scenes, your contribution matters to communities facing their darkest hours.

Want to learn more about disaster response or get involved yourself? Visit the Salvation Army's website to discover how you can join Emily and her team in bringing practical help and emotional support when disaster strikes. Your hands could be the ones that make a difference when people need it most.