It's time. We need to move different. We started the Pass The Mic podcast late in 2013, now, more than a decade later, the podcast as you’ve known it is coming to a close. This is not so much an ending, but an evolution. We still have several more episodes airing every other week, and after the final episode, Tyler will continue on with the podcast under a new name and with a new exciting focus and Jemar will make occasional appearances.   This episode is the announcement but not the ending. We’re planning a live, online finale episode later this year that you will all be invited to.  So stay subscribed and stay tuned.  Let’s address the natural question: WHY?!?  First, Jemar, Tyler, and Beau are all good.  There was no fallout, blowup, or disagreement that led to this decision.  We are glad to say that closing out Pass The Mic did not come as a result of interpersonal drama or conflict.  We have been engaged in this conversation for nearly a year. We reasoned together and concluded that this season of Pass The Mic has come to an end.  Then we gave each other the time and space to process both the bitter and the sweet that comes with such a significant transition. You’ll hear it on this week’s podcast episode, our genuine love and affection for one another has never been stronger.  Our deepest thanks for the labor, the wisdom, and the friendship of the whole team both seen and unseen who have made this show possible. So the shift is not about drama, it is about adapting.  This decision did not arise from a place of fear or scarcity but of health and growth. We’ve been saying for several episodes now that we have to move differently.  The culture is changing. Our political situation is in crisis. The church is being called to witness in a new way.  Tyler is doing life-shifting work as a pastor, and he has so many more ideas for other projects that he is now free to pursue. Beau is doing the vital work of storytelling employing imagination to spark conversation and joy. Check out his upcoming show at MidnightHTX.com. Ryan has a new day job, and is faithfully serving his church community. Jemar has been sensing the Holy Spirit moving him to do more online teaching and acting as a bridge between academic study and the church practice. Be sure to follow his next project  “The Justice Journey: A Biblical Guide to Making Wrong Things Right.”  We will, of course, miss Pass The Mic.  This has been part of our lives for more than ten years. We have had so many laughs, memories, and bonding moments.  Most importantly, you, our listeners and viewers, have been with us for the journey.  What we will miss most is the community we’ve formed around the show and the ways you all have encouraged us, challenged us, and loved us throughout this show.  In times when the broader evangelical and Reformed community rejected us for our commitment to Christ and the blackness he gifted us with, you have been our steady and supportive siblings in the faith.  Remember to keep listening. We still have more episodes coming, a live finale episode, and a new show by Tyler launching on the same podcast feed.  With gratitude for what lies behind and expectation for what lies ahead, we say:  See you soon on the next…? But Why Tho?We Have to Move DifferentlyThanks to Our Community Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices