• Breakdown or Breakthrough? | Prayer in Pivotal Moments
    May 23 2025

    “I knew all the right answers. But in that moment—I still spiraled.”

    What if the hardest parts of your creative life—the burnout, the viral backlash, the silence after a big launch—aren’t just interruptions… but invitations?

    In this raw and revelatory follow-up to last week’s episode, Pastor Al “XtianNinja” Descheneau shares how pivotal moments expose the truth about our hearts, our habits, and relationship with God.

    🎯 This isn’t just about prayer—it’s about what prayer reveals when everything is on the line.

    In this episode:

    • What it means to pray from relationship, not routine
    • How to pause instead of panic when pressure hits
    • Why listening in prayer might be the key to your next breakthrough
    • Real-life creator stories of doubt, discouragement, and divine perspective

    💬 We want to hear from you: What pivotal moment are you facing? Share your story in the comments—or join the live conversation on stream.

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    40 mins
  • Pray Differently | When Passion Isn’t Enough
    May 16 2025

    What if the biggest threat to your ministry isn't burnout, algorithms, or imposter syndrome—but the quiet drift away from prayer?

    In Part 1 of this powerful two-episode series, Pastor Al “XtianNinja” Descheneau exposes a trap many Christian content creators fall into: doing God’s work... without God. Through raw storytelling, piercing questions, and the parable of the persistent widow, you're invited to reconsider not just how you pray—but when, why, and if you really are.

    🎧 Inside Part 1:

    • Why your prayer habits might be sabotaging your impact
    • What burnout reveals about your faith walk
    • The spiritual battle that keeps creators from praying
    • A surprising reframe of what “waiting on God” actually means

    👉 Stick around for Part 2, where we dive into pivotal moments that can reshape your heart—and your impact.

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    48 mins
  • Who, Me? A Creator? | Overcoming Doubt as a Christian Content Creator
    May 7 2025

    "If you’ve ever thought, ‘I’m not qualified to be a creator,’ this episode is for you."

    This special episode of TACO Talks features a full chapter readings from The Art of Digital Influence, a book by Al Descheneau (aka XtianNinja), read by Scott Carpenter (aka The Born Again Gamer). Written to encourage and equip Christian content creators, the book explores how faith and digital influence intersect in powerful ways.

    Chapter 1, “Who Me? A Creator?”, speaks directly to the fears and doubts that keep many from stepping into their God-given calling. Drawing from the story of Moses, it reminds us that God often works through the least likely people—and that your voice matters more than you think.

    Subscribe to hear future chapters as they’re released alongside our regular episodes. Share this with someone who could use a little encouragement today.

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    23 mins
  • How Can You Future-Proof Your Mission as a Christian Creator?
    May 1 2025

    "Who did God make me to be? Who's He placed in front of me to reach?"
    In this episode of the Taco Talks podcast, Pastor Al Descheneau—aka XtianNinja—talks directly to Christian creators about how to stay grounded and effective when platforms shift. Using the 2024 TikTok ban debate as a real-world example, he shares biblical insight and smart, practical advice to help you keep your mission strong no matter what the digital world throws your way. Whether you're posting on YouTube, streaming on Twitch, or building your email list, this episode will help you think long-term and lead with purpose.

    What You’ll Learn:

    • How to approach platform changes with wisdom, faith, and clarity

    • Ways to diversify your content and audience without burning out

    • Why staying honest and honoring authority still matters in today’s creator space

    • How to stay focused on your calling and not just the latest trends

    If you're a Christian content creator looking to build something that lasts, this episode is packed with encouragement and real-world strategies. Even though it was recorded before the TikTok ban was finalized, the ideas are still spot-on for creators navigating change on any platform.

    Follow Taco Talks for more thoughtful, faith-driven conversations about content creation. Share this episode with another Christian creator, join the discussion live on XtianNinja’s Twitch streams (Monday–Thursday at 12 PM ET), or swing by xtian.ninja to support the work. Let’s build something that lasts—and points to God.

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    58 mins
  • Real Talk with MissPositivity: Authenticity, Trends, and Staying True to Your Voice
    Feb 28 2025

    "If you know what your goal is, and your goal is to stick to that and understand that Twitch is finicky, that gaming is finicky... You can't get down on yourself. It's not you—it's just the nature of the job." - MissPositivity

    In this episode of TACO Talks, MissPositivity shares her inspiring journey from early streaming struggles to building a vibrant and engaged community on Twitch and YouTube. She offers practical advice on staying authentic while navigating trends, managing the emotional ups and downs of viewer numbers, and embracing the unique voice God has given you.

    Through a thoughtful conversation with XtianNinja, MissPositivity dives into key topics like:

    • Staying encouraged when numbers drop.
    • Balancing trends with passion in content creation.
    • Standing out as a Christian content creator in a competitive space.

    👉 Stick around until the end for a quick wrap-up from host BornAgainGamer, where he shares his reflections on keeping faith strong through the highs and lows of content creation—a thoughtful close to this wisdom-packed episode.

    Key Takeaways:

    • Embracing your unique calling in content creation.
    • Creating engaging evergreen content on YouTube.
    • Balancing ministry and business as a digital creator.

    🎧 Listen now to gain practical strategies and spiritual encouragement that will elevate your content creation journey!

    "If this episode inspired you, don’t forget to subscribe for more insights from top Christian content creators! Share this episode with a friend who needs encouragement, and connect with us on social media to continue the conversation."

    🌐 XN's Website: XtianNinja
    🎮 Watch XtianNinja Live: Twitch Channel
    🎮 Watch BornAgainGamer Live: Twitch Channel
    🌮 Join the TACO Community: TACO Network

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    27 mins
  • Season 1 Finale: The Unexpected Secret to Success as a Content Creator
    Jun 18 2024

    In this season finale of TACO Talks, I dive into a profound section of J. Oswald Sanders' book, "Spiritual Maturity," focusing on the power of weakness as described in 2 Corinthians 12:9. I share reflections and personal anecdotes on how this message resonates with my journey as a content creator. Discover how God uses our inadequacies to achieve His purposes and the importance of relying on Him rather than our talents. Learn how embracing weakness can transform your content creation and spiritual life. Let's uncover the surprising secret to success in content creation!


    ### Key Takeaways:

    - Embracing weakness as a strength in content creation

    - Reflections on "Spiritual Maturity" by J. Oswald Sanders

    - Personal experiences of relying on God over natural abilities

    - Moving from self-reliance to God-reliance

    - Questions to reflect on your own journey and reliance on God


    ### Actionable Steps:

    - Reflect on your natural abilities and how they align with God's plan

    - Spend time in prayer, seeking God's guidance in your creative journey

    - Set aside specific times to connect with God before starting your work

    - Evaluate areas where you rely too heavily on your own strength

    - Practice letting go and trusting God with the outcome of your efforts

    - Share your struggles and successes with a supportive faith community

    - Regularly remind yourself of God's role in your content creation


    ### Links:

    - XN's Website: http://xtian.ninja

    - XN's Stream: https://www.twitch.tv/xtianninja

    - BornAgainGamer's Stream: https://www.twitch.tv/thebornagaingamer

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    29 mins
  • Navigating A.I. in Content Creation - Does it Enhance or Hinder Creativity?
    Jun 11 2024

    Title:

    The Irony of AI: Enhancing and Hindering Creativity


    Description:

    In this episode of TACO Talks, ChatGPT and Ninja dive into the world of AI in content creation. They discuss the pros and cons of using AI, exploring how it can be both a powerful tool and a potential pitfall. From the misuse of AI in creating low-quality content to the dangers of over-reliance, they cover it all. Ninja shares personal anecdotes and biblical wisdom to provide a balanced perspective. Tune in to learn how to leverage AI responsibly and enhance your creative journey while staying true to your values.


    Key Takeaways:

    - The irony of AI discussing AI in content creation

    - Personal anecdotes about reliance on AI

    - Issues with AI: misuse, misinformation, and intellectual property concerns

    - The dangers of over-reliance on AI

    - Biblical perspectives on using AI

    - Benefits of AI in content creation

    - Responsible use of AI for content creators


    Actionable Steps:

    - Establish a routine with designated office hours

    - Declutter your workspace regularly

    - Limit social media use and turn off push notifications

    - Schedule time off and take breaks when needed

    - Delegate tasks and collaborate with others

    - Connect with a supportive community

    - Practice self-compassion and celebrate achievements


    Links:

    - XN's Website: http://xtian.ninja

    - XN's Stream: https://www.twitch.tv/xtianninja

    - BornAgainGamer's Stream: https://www.twitch.tv/thebornagaingamer

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    33 mins
  • Self-Care for Busy Creators
    Jun 4 2024

    In this episode, we conclude our series on preventing burnout by exploring the vital practice of self-care for content creators. Learn how spiritual nourishment and practical self-care strategies can help you maintain your mental, physical, and spiritual health while continuing your passion for content creation. Key Takeaways:

    • Spiritual Nourishment: Importance of daily Bible reading, prayer, worship, and meditation.
    • Biblical Rest: Understanding the theological concept of Sabbath rest.
    • Routine and Boundaries: Establishing a consistent routine and setting boundaries.
    • Decluttering: Regularly organizing your workspace for better productivity.
    • Social Media Management: Limiting use and turning off push notifications.
    • Time Off: Prioritizing rest and taking breaks when needed.
    • Delegation and Collaboration: Working with others to lighten your load.
    • Community Connection: Engaging with supportive communities.
    • Self-Compassion: Celebrating achievements and being kind to yourself.


    Actionable Steps:

    • Establish a routine with designated office hours.
    • Declutter your workspace regularly.
    • Limit social media use and turn off push notifications.
    • Schedule time off and take breaks when needed.
    • Delegate tasks and collaborate with others.
    • Connect with a supportive community.
    • Practice self-compassion and celebrate achievements.
    • Social media scheduling tools
    • Email organization systems
    • Task reminder alarms


    XN's Website: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠http://xtian.ninja⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

    XN's Stream: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.twitch.tv/xtianninja/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

    BornAgainGamer's Stream: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.twitch.tv/thebornagaingamer

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    40 mins