WELSTech explores the use of technology to further the spread of the gospel. This show is sponsored by the Wisconsin Evangelical Lutheran Synod (WELS).
In this emotional and reflective episode of WELSTech Audio, titled "777 - From Wagon Train to Airplane," I, Martin Spriggs, join my co-host Sally Draper for a poignant farewell as she embarks on her retirement after 18 years with the show. Together, we reminisce about our journey through technology and ministry, highlighting the transformative changes we've witnessed—from the basics of church websites to the complexities of modern tools like AI. We discuss memorable moments, the impact of our community, and the friendships forged over nearly 800 episodes. Join us as we celebrate the legacy of WELSTech, recognizing the essential role technology plays in sharing the gospel and supporting our congregations. Tune in for heartfelt reflections and a look at what lies ahead for both the podcast and Sally.
14 May 2026
776 - Wholly Unauthorized
**WELSTech 776 – Wholly Unauthorized** What happens when you feed years of podcast transcripts into an AI and ask it to roast your guests? Episode 776, that's what. Martin and Sallie are joined once again by their favorite EdTech duo — Dr. Rachel Renno (Martin Luther College) and Jason Schmidt (Oshkosh ISD) — but this time, the agenda was set by Claude. Using OpenAI's Whisper to transcribe 15+ episodes of past conversations, the team fed the archive into an AI chatbot and let it build a retrospective of Jason and Rachel's greatest hits, boldest predictions, and most quotable moments. With the snark meter turned up just a little, the results did not disappoint. On the docket: the "Don't Quote Me on That" Award, the Evolution Arc (how two tech enthusiasts slowly became tech realists), a lightning round neither host was fully prepared for, and the phrase that should be cross-stitched on a pillow — courtesy of Jason Schmidt. Also in this episode: MLC and WLS graduation and assignment season is here — find out how to watch the livestreams. Picks of the week include Apple's built-in iOS Password app (and its Chrome extension), the Privacy virtual card service, Google Flow Music, and OpenAI Whisper. Community feedback covers Wisconsin Act 89 and what school communication compliance means for WELS schools — including a look at ParentSquare, Talking Points, ClassDojo, and more. A love letter to longtime listeners. A mild roast of two very good sports. And proof that the archive has been listening all along. 🎙️ WELSTech is the official technology podcast of the Wisconsin Evangelical Lutheran Synod. New episodes every two weeks at welstech.wels.net.
30 Apr 2026
775 - Cough Drops and Use Cases
**WELSTech Episode 775 — Cough Drops and Use Cases** Sallie's voice may not be at 100%, but the show must go on! In this episode of WELSTech, Martin and Sallie power through to explore one of the most practical questions in this Season of AI: what does AI actually look like in *your* ministry context? The WELS AI Task Force has been hard at work developing a set of top-10 AI use cases for three distinct ministry roles — pastoral ministry, teaching, and church/school administration. Martin and Sallie walk through highlights from each category, from sermon research and member communication to lesson planning, student feedback, and meeting transcription. Along the way, they apply the WELS AI Ethical Framework and Risk Matrix to help you think through not just *what* AI can do, but *how* to use it wisely. This is an audience participation episode — the task force wants your feedback! How is AI showing up in your ministry? Let them know. Also in this episode: - **Ministry Resource:** Two free NotebookLM cheat sheets from Ditch That Textbook — one for teachers, one for students - **Picks of the Week:** OZLO Sleepbuds (Martin) and Google Vids (Sallie) - **Community News:** WELSTech has a new home! The site has migrated to HubSpot at welstech.wels.net (now resolving to welstech.wels.org), with all 774 previous episodes along for the ride. 📬 Share your AI use cases: welstech@wels.net 🌐 AI season resources: https://welstech.wels.net/ai/ 🎙️ Show notes: https://welstech.wels.net #WELSTech #AIinMinistry #ChurchTech #LutheranEducation #EdTech #NotebookLM #GoogleVids
Who has been a guest on WELSTech Audio
Names identified in recent episode analyses. Showing up to five guests.
Nate Seiltz
Lori Ehlke
Jon Pederson
Reach and audience
Public platform figures. Ratings count people who left a rating, not total listeners.
Apple Podcasts (US)
4.9 / 5
10 ratings
Spotify
5.0 / 5
1 ratings
Podcast Authority Score: 70 / 100
A composite of feed quality, social presence, YouTube performance and engagement. Read the methodology.
Quality
89
Social presence
91
YouTube
0
Engagement
82
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