Inside Unam SDASM’s ‘Advent Times Unfiltered’ podcast

In a world where young people often navigate the complexities of tradition and modernity, a group of dedicated Adventist students at the University of Namibia (Unam) are making their voices heard through a compelling new podcast, ‘Advent Times Unfiltered’.

Launched by the Seventh-day Adventist Student Movement (SDASM), this initiative steps into the digital sphere with mics on and filters off, aiming to uplift, educate and foster candid conversations about faith.

Driven by a sense of urgency, the team behind ‘Advent Times Unfiltered’ felt a calling to connect with their peers on a deeper level. "We started the podcast to encourage our fellow youth and equip them with the knowledge of how they could live for Christ in these last days," they explained. "It is also about proclaiming the truth that Jesus is coming sooner than we expect."

The podcast's name in itself encapsulates this dual focus - the urgency of the times and a commitment to biblical truth, presented without compromise.



The passionate individuals bringing this vision to life include hosts and content creators Mundia James, Obert Lubasi, Kalumani Cicel and Victor Kamwi. Behind the scenes, production expertise is provided by Atonement Media, spearheaded by Wilson Ziunye II and Hikila Johannes.



The core mission of the podcast is to draw meaningful connections between contemporary global events and biblical scripture, with the ultimate goal of inspiring spiritual revival among its listeners. "The platform helps youth understand how to overcome sin and its consequences, and how they can grow in faith," the team emphasised. Recognising the unique challenges faced by young people, they aim to create a supportive community where individuals feel understood, whether grappling with spiritual doubts, significant life decisions, or the everyday pressures of life.



Within the Adventist community, the podcast serves as a catalyst for more open and honest discussions on topics often approached with caution. Externally, it offers a refreshing and authentic perspective on faith, demonstrating that spirituality is rooted in genuine experiences rather than the pursuit of an unattainable perfection.



Each episode delves into a spectrum of subjects highly relevant to today's youth, including mental health, relationships, peer pressure, the nuances of campus life, the search for spiritual purpose and the pervasive issue of burnout. "We keep it real," the team asserted.

"Life doesn’t come with filters, and neither should our conversations."

Authenticity is the cornerstone of their content creation process. Episodes are deeply rooted in the lived experiences of young people, drawing inspiration from the hosts' own challenges, shaped by valuable feedback from their peers. The collaborative approach fosters a "community-driven safe space" where listeners feel seen and heard.



Despite facing logistical hurdles such as securing consistent recording venues and navigating limited access to high-quality equipment, the podcast has garnered significant early success and continues to build momentum. While their primary target audience is Adventist youth aged 16 to 30, the podcast's impact extends to a broader demographic, including students, young professionals and even church leaders who appreciate its refreshing and timely content.



Looking to the future, the team has ambitious plans to expand its reach through live events and Bible study sessions across the country. They also aspire to feature prominent church leaders, public servants and professionals to enrich the podcast with diverse perspectives.

Supporters are encouraged to engage with the podcast by tuning in via its YouTube or Spotify accounts and sharing episodes with their networks, as well as suggesting topics for future discussions. The team's ultimate hope is to receive testimonies from young people whose faith has been strengthened by the podcast and who are living with the confident expectation of Jesus's return.



For the dedicated team behind the podcast, the journey has been profoundly transformative. "We’ve learned that some things take time and that collaboration eases the journey," they reflected. "Most importantly, prayer is the key to getting this content where it needs to go."

Their advice to others with a similar vision is this: "Start with God, be patient and trust the process. Your voice matters."