In today’s episode, Heather sits down with Mike “Mikey” Planeta. You may recognize Mike as one of the contestants on season 17 of the ABC dating and relationship reality series. The Bachelorette with Katie Thurston. Mike was eliminated in week 6, just before the show’s hometown dates. He made national news when he revealed on the show that he was a virgin and was saving himself for marriage. His singlehood was rooted in his Christian faith and was a surprising change from the typical storyline we see on reality TV.
In this conversation, Mike and Heather talk about his experience on The Bachelorettehow he stays grounded in his faith and what the response was to his appearance on the show.
Heather also chats with our favorite social media expert, Brady Shearer, about the growing feeling among many Christians that social media is inherently ill-equipped for good ministry. Brady’s advice will remind us that social media is simply a tool that can be used equally effectively for truth or evil.
Guest bios
Mike Planet was a contestant on the 17th season of The Bachelorette, airing in the summer of 2021. He had a successful run as a Major League Baseball player before retiring to open a San Diego-based gym and fitness center for athletes from the secondary. He can be reached via Instagram @mikeyplaneta or email mikeplaneta@yahoo.com.
Host biography
Heather Thompson Day is an associate professor of communications at Andrews University in Berrien Springs, Michigan. She is the author of eight books, including I will see you tomorrow And It’s not your turn. Contact Heather on X, the app formerly known as Twitter at @HeatherTDay and on Instagram @heatherthompsonday. Get Heather’s weekly inspirational email in your inbox every Friday evening at 7pm EST. Register now on: www.heatherthompsonday.com/links.
Viral Jesus is a production of Christianity Today
Host and creator: Heather Thompson Day
Executive producer: Ed Gilbreath
Producer: Loren Joseph
Mixing engineer: Alex Carter
Director of CT Podcasts: Mike Cosper
