Jesus Calling Podcast: Touching Stories Of Faith

This week, we explore stories of service from two guests who have made it their life’s work to help others.  Dr. Ming Wang is a renowned, cutting-edge laser eye surgeon who grew up with a dad in medicine, so it was ingrained in him from an early age to help people. Dr. Wang shares his incredible life experiences—including how he narrowly escaped a life of hard labor while living in China—how his atheist worldview was shaken while in medical school, and how he now helps people living in darkness see light for the first time.  Raeanne Newquist works in marketing for Mercy Ships, an international charity which consists of two state-of-the-art hospital ships that bring hope and healing to the people of Africa who lack access to safe and reliable healthcare. Raeanne shares the transformations she’s seen in patients not only physically, but emotionally and spiritually as well.    Links, Products, and Resources Mentioned: Jesus Calling Podcast Jesus Calling Jesus Always Jesus Listens Past interview: Andy Dooley Upc

On this episode of Jesus Listens, we hear from Daniel Maritz, a Youtuber and author, who shares how aspects of his life mirror the story of the prodigal son. He opens up about the pivotal moment when the pain of loss brought him to his knees, and how he found his way back through prayer.     Guest’s Links Daniel Maritz’s Facebook: @MaritzDaniel Daniel Maritz’s Instagram: @Daniel_Maritz Daniel Maritz’s YouTube: @DLMChristianLifestyle ________________________  Connect with Jesus Calling Instagram Facebook Twitter Pinterest YouTube Jesus Calling Website TikTok   *Episode produced by Four Eyes Media* Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

This week, we talk with multi-talented actor Tahj Mowry. Known for his roles in beloved TV shows like Smart Guy, Full House, and Disney's Kim Possible, Tahj shares his journey from a child actor to an adult in the industry, how he stays grounded in a sometimes chaotic environment, and the joy and gratitude he taps into through his faith.  Later in the episode, we’ll hear from Melvin Crispell III, a remarkable gospel recording artist who grew up immersed in the church and followed in the footsteps of his talented gospel music singing parents. He opens up about losing his mom and dad, how prayer became his solace and strength, and how he continues to honor his parents' legacy and spread joy to others through music.    Links, Products, and Resources Mentioned: Jesus Calling Podcast Jesus Calling Jesus Always Jesus Listens Past interview: Kathie Lee Gifford Upcoming interview: Dr. Ming Wang Not That Fancy   Tahj Mowry Smart Guy Full House Kim Possible Tia Mowry  Tamera Mowry-Housley Who's the Boss? Debbie Alle

This week, we have the privilege of hearing from Dr. Alan Weissenbacher, the managing editor of the journal Theology and Science and a teaching pastor in Berkeley, California. Deriving from his work with those who struggle with addiction, he illustrates how we can harness the power of neuroscience to change our habits, emphasizing the importance of replacing negative thoughts with positive ones, and how our focus can reshape our brain's pathways, which includes the disciplines of prayer and studying Scripture. Later in the episode, we'll hear from Carolyn Weber, an acclaimed author, speaker, and professor who experienced a profound spiritual awakening during her time at Oxford University. Initially an agnostic, Carolyn's encounters with diverse Christian communities and her thorough reading of the Bible led her to embrace Christianity. Her memoir and its subsequent film adaptation chronicle her journey from skepticism to faith.   Links, Products, and Resources Mentioned: Jesus Calling Podcast Jesus Calling Je

This week, we are delighted to have Sarah Kroger, a talented singer/songwriter and worship leader from Nashville, Tennessee. Sarah shares the early days of her creative exploration while facing bullying, and how when she attended a transformative youth conference, she realized that faith could be something that was alive in your life, not just a box to be checked off on Sundays. Later in the episode, we’ll hear from Clare McCallan, an accomplished author and creative director of St. Joseph's Home for Artisans in Boston. Clare shares her experience of taking a leap of faith, banding together with the local artist community, and restoring an old convent to become a vibrant place that nurtures and cultivates young artists.   Links, Products, and Resources Mentioned: Jesus Calling Podcast Jesus Calling Jesus Always Jesus Listens Past interview: David & Tamela Mann Upcoming interview: Dr. Alan Weissenbacher Not That Fancy Sarah Kroger   Simon & Garfunkel “No Filter” www.sarahkroger.com A New Reality   Cl

If there is one thing we all desire as human beings, it is to be known—truly, deeply known—and loved just as we are. Psalm 139 says “You have searched me, Lord, and you know me… you are familiar with all my ways,” reminding us that we can experience the joy of being known to our core when we look to the Lord. Ainsley Britain is an Enneagram coach who delves into how we were individually and uniquely made by God, and how we can apply the knowledge of how we were created to our relationships with others—especially while navigating the challenges of high school. Ali Gilkeson is a member of the beloved band Rend Collective, which was initially designed as a welcoming place for people who didn’t always feel like they belonged in the church. Through recognizing our individual roles in life, Ali shares how a raw, honest relationship with God can help us find our way home.   Links, Products, and Resources Mentioned: Jesus Calling Podcast Jesus Calling Jesus Always Jesus Listens Past interview: Steve Wariner Upcomin

On this episode of Jesus Listens: Stories of Prayer, we hear from TV personality Lydia McLaughin. Lydia leaned on God throughout her experience on the Real Housewives of Orange County. She also talks about how her faith held her up during her mother’s sickness.    Guest’s Links Lydia McLaughlin’s Facebook: @oclydia Lydia McLaughlin’s Twitter: @oclydia Lydia McLaughlin’s Instagram: @oclydia  _______________________  Connect with Jesus Calling Instagram Facebook Twitter Pinterest YouTube Jesus Calling Website TikTok   *Episode produced by Four Eyes Media* Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

Our first guest, Patsy Clairmont, is a renowned author, speaker, and one of the founding speakers for Women of Faith. Patsy’s early years were marked by severe anxiety and depression. Whispering prayers of desperation for anything to help her through this time, she was surprised by the small, simple steps God gave her that helped her emerge from the darkness. The surprises would continue to come as she moved from barely being able to leave the house to speaking to millions of people—inspiring them with her humor, wisdom, and stories of overcoming. Later in the episode, we’ll hear from Gil Schaenzle, known as the National Park Mom. After her daughter, Anna, passed away from neuroendocrine cancer at the young age of twenty-one, Gil embarked on a heartfelt mission to raise awareness for this rare disease. Through her campaign to run in all the national parks, and her more recent journey of cycling along America’s historic canals, Gil honors Anna's memory and brings hope to others facing similar battles. Links,

In this week’s episode, we have the opportunity to listen to John Michael Talbot, a legendary musician and founder of the monastic community Brothers and Sisters of Charity. He shares the intense evolution of his faith: from expressing himself through music, to finding his community in Catholicism, to a moment in a hospital room where he experienced a forgiveness so deep it changed him forever.  Later in the episode, we’ll hear from John Andrew Bryant, a chaplain and author. Bryant shares his battle with a mental health condition that not only revealed the inner workings of his mind, but a deeper understanding of his faith.   Links, Products, and Resources Mentioned: Jesus Calling Podcast Jesus Calling Jesus Always Jesus Listens Jesus Listens Notetaking Edition Past interview: Emily P. Freeman Upcoming interview: Patsy Clairmont   John Michael Talbot Brothers and Sisters of Charity Mason Proffit The Imitation of Christ Luke 23:43 NIV   John Andrew Bryant Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD) A Quiet Min

This week, we’ll visit with two musicians who found their love for music early on, but took some devastating detours along the way to their dreams of full-time music careers. Darren Mulligan is songwriter and lead singer for the Dove Award-winning Christian music group We Are Messengers. Early in his music pursuits, Darren found himself indulging in other things that caused damage to himself and to those he loved—admitting that he was, “manipulative and just very broken.” He shares the story of attending a little church in his hometown in Monaghan, Ireland, and what happened that altered his course—and his music—forever.   Joseph Habedank is a two-time time Grammy nominated singer and songwriter who traveled for many years with the legendary southern gospel group The Perrys. Dealing with an ailment on the road, Joseph unexpectedly fell into addiction and found himself trading his dreams of singing for the pursuit of his next high. He shares what reaching rock bottom meant to him, and how he sought help in pra

In this week’s episode, we delve into the remarkable journey of Ricky Dickson, a man whose faith has guided him through a fulfilling career and the trials of leadership. Throughout his forty-three years with Blue Bell Creameries, the beloved ice cream maker, Ricky rose to become the president and CEO, navigating the company through both successful and challenging times. Later in the episode, we’ll hear from Mark Tappan, a police officer whose life took an unexpected turn through his bond with a remarkable police dog named Mattis. Mark shares how his lifelong connection to dogs has taught him lessons in faith, loyalty, and unconditional love.    Links, Products, and Resources Mentioned: Jesus Calling Podcast Jesus Calling Jesus Always Jesus Listens Past interview: Erica Campbell Upcoming interview: Darren Mulligan   Ricky Dickson Blue Bell Creameries Baylor  One Scoop At A Time   Mark Tappan Belgian Malinois Colossians 3:23 NIV A Dog Named Mattis   Interview Quotes: “My prayer growing up was, ‘God, wherever

Old habits can be hard to break, whether it’s the foods we eat, the media we consume, or any pattern that may not serve us in the way that gets us where we want to be. Our guests this week took a look at their lives and found that doing the hard work of change was key to breaking unhealthy patterns and through faith and prayer, they kept at it, which ultimately produced lasting and rewarding results.  Our first guest, Erin Loechner, discusses how we can reverse engineer some of the ways that social media and technology hold our undivided attention and how she personally applied these principles to her own life and to the lives of her children, resulting in more connectivity with each other and the world around them. Later, we'll hear from Dusty and Erin Stanczyk, of www.EatMoveRest.com, who discuss what it means to be more intentional in our approach to the foods that we eat, and how they overcame troubling health issues and found physical and spiritual healing.   Links, Products, and Resources Mentioned: Jes

On this episode of Jesus Listens: Stories of Prayer, we’ll hear from comedian Chonda Pierce. Chonda’s ability to bring laughter to others is renowned, but as we know, life’s circumstances can threaten to steal our joy. The loss of Chonda’s sisters and then her husband were crushing blows, but through prayer, therapy and the support of others, she shares how she was able to find light again after facing the worst kind of darkness.    Guest’s Links Chonda’s Facebook: @chondapierce Chonda’s Twitter: @chondapierce Chonda’s Instagram: @chondapierce _______________________  Connect with Jesus Calling Instagram Facebook Twitter Pinterest YouTube Jesus Calling Website TikTok   *Episode produced by Four Eyes Media* Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

When kindness is shown to us—whether it’s as small as a smile from a stranger, or as big as someone meeting a need at a desperate time in our lives—we see and feel goodness that is often unexplainable. If we look for them, we can find these divine kindnesses each day, those big and little nods from God that bring us hope and comfort, even in the darkest of hours. These moments are powerful reminders of the sustaining force of divine kindness and the enduring faith it nurtures.  Founders of the ministry Bottle of Tears Chris and Lindsey Wheeler share the challenges they faced after adopting their daughter, Eliana, from Guatemala, all while navigating Lindsey's development of a rare autoimmune disease, and how the kindness of God kept them from despairing.  Later in the episode, we’ll hear from Bryan Crum, a hospice chaplain, who shares what he has learned from spending time with people in their final days and how God shows up in their last moments to demonstrate His sustaining kindness.   Links, Products, and

When we face self-doubt, we may find ourselves not believing in our own innate abilities, or we might even decide to turn away from our aspirations in the belief that we’re not “good enough” to get where we want to be. When we willfully stop listening to the voices that tell us we can’t do it, and replace our fears with faith, a transformative effect takes place that allows us to believe in ourselves again and realize that our dreams are worth chasing.  Our first guest is the multi-talented Taraji P. Henson. Taraji is not only a renowned actress but also a dedicated mother, philanthropist, author, director, and producer. Though Taraji had dreams of becoming an actress, early rejection caused her to question herself, and move in a different direction. It took the words of her trusted father to remind her what she was made for, and to find the courage to chase her dreams. Later in the episode, we’ll hear from actress and filmmaker Sope Aluko. For over two decades, Sope built a successful corporate career. Howev

The most valuable life lessons often emerge from our most difficult circumstances. While these experiences give us insight into our own lives, they also provide meaningful stories to share with others and point them towards God, who can ultimately give them comfort through their darkest moments.  This week, we’ll hear from Jesse Hutch, a Canadian-born American film and television actor, who recalls how a near-death experience taught him the peace that comes from fully trusting in God’s control and the importance of using scripture and prayer to ground your beliefs. Later in the episode, we’ll hear from Randy Frazee, author of The Story, which arranges the Bible chronologically so that readers can experience it as one, whole narrative. He shares how his journey through depression deepened his empathy and reliance on God, and how he now uses this experience to support others facing similar struggles.   Links, Products, and Resources Mentioned: Jesus Calling Podcast Jesus Calling Jesus Always Jesus Listens Past

There is an intricate dance between the difficulty of making changes in our lives and a profound trust in God to guide us through. When we have to make the decision to leave something behind and start anew, there is an emotional toll and a fear of the unknown. However, there is much to be learned from endings and new beginnings, and how sometimes we end up finding peace in the midst of our turmoil.  Emily P. Freeman is a spiritual director and author who hosts The Next Right Thing Podcast. Emily shares practical thoughts on how to navigate change, taken from her new book, How to Walk Into A Room: The Art of Knowing When to Stay and When to Walk Away. Stephanie May Wilson is a Tedx speaker, author, and podcaster who speaks to young adults who are facing crucial years where they will make some of their biggest life’s decisions, and advises them on how they can faithfully move forward by trusting God with their questions and their fears.    Links, Products, and Resources Mentioned: Jesus Calling Podcast Jesus Ca

On this episode of Jesus Listens, we hear from Evan Craft, a singer-songwriter who discovered the importance of loving and serving others during a mission trip to Mexico. Through his music, Evan now spreads messages of hope and love while raising awareness for causes like homelessness.    Guest’s Links Evan Craft’s Facebook: @evancraftmusic Evan Craft’s Twitter: @EvanCraft Evan Craft’s Instagram: @evancraft ________________________  Connect with Jesus Calling Instagram Facebook Twitter Pinterest YouTube Jesus Calling Website TikTok   *Episode produced by Four Eyes Media*   Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

*Content Warning: This episode mentions suicide and depression and may not be suitable for all listeners.* We all carry scars, both visible and invisible, that life's challenges leave behind. Far from permanently marring us, our scars can become sites of incredible healing and strength when we open ourselves to faith.This faith doesn't erase the pain or revert the past, but transforms our relationship with our scars. It encourages us to see them not as symbols of hurt but as markers of healing and resilience: vibrant signs of what we've overcome through faith. Lauren Green is a seasoned journalist and the chief religion correspondent for Fox News Channel. Exploring the intricate intersection of religion and journalism, Lauren found herself reporting on stories ranging from everyday news to the profound mysteries of faith that shaped her perspective on communication and human connection. Later in the episode, we’ll hear from Carrie Sheffield, whose troubled, nomadic childhood eventually gave way to a season of

When things get tough, and it feels like hope is barely hanging on, it always helps to remember we’re not alone. Haven’t we all benefited from a friend or a loved one who reached out, was able to lend an ear, or who was just there for us when we were going through a rough patch? It's amazing how a little kindness and understanding can bring us back to life. In Ephesians from the Bible, we are instructed to “Be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, as God in Christ forgave you. [Ephesians 4:32]” We might never know how the smallest kindnesses we show could have a life-changing impact on those who receive it. Our first guest is Willie Robertson, the CEO of Duck Commander and a familiar face from the Duck Dynasty television series. Willie shares a story about the transformative power of being there for one another—about a minister who showed up for his father, Phil, in one of his darkest hours—and how it inspired a new found faith that would eventually turn his life, and the lives of his fam