The flames seemed to climb higher and higher at the recent Dove Awards ceremony as the Grammy Award winning duo for KING & COUNTRY unveiled their latest radio single, “World on Fire”. As flames blazed 20 feet high on the stage, the performance served as a beacon that they were back and better than ever.
The performance marked the band’s first original song release in more than two years. Fresh from a year off from touring to get some much-needed rest and to regroup for the next phase of their music, “World on Fire” represents a rallying cry to live fully alive and to be on fire for God.
The single will serve as a precursor to their forthcoming 2026 album release, a recording designed to build upon the success of the 2024 hit feature film “Unsung Hero”, a biopic about how their family first came to America from Australia.
One half of for KING & COUNTRY, Luke Smallbone, says that the time off afforded them the chance to reflect upon where the last 15 years have taken them and to allow God to breathe new vision into their hearts. He believes that out of this refining process will come a renewed clarity to usher in a new era for them, one of passion and purpose.
Luke joins me to chat about why he and his brother, Joel Smallbone, decided to take some time off and how it has refocused them for what lies ahead. Listen as he shares about their new single, "World on Fire" and his hope that it will become an anthem for revival around the world.
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The old adage, “follow your dreams” is something that we have all heard but rarely do we ever hear about someone who actually arrived at their desired destination. Too many times, people get derailed in their pursuit due to seemingly insurmountable obstacles, unforeseen detours, or an eventual lack of interest. That’s why it is always so heartwarming to hear about that individual who actually made their dreams come true.
Take Texas-based steel industry executive Chris Whittington for example. As the owner and founder of a Houston-based steel company, Whittington has forged a highly respectable career in providing industrial grade metals to a region known for energy, aerospace, and manufacturing. But he had a passion beyond the industry he has so dutifully served for more than three decades.
Music.
Running parallel to his business pursuits, Whittington has served as a worship leader in local churches for many years, creating a natural venue for him to write and perform his own music. Over the last decade, he has released three solo albums including his latest, Bright Portal Remastered 2025 which is an updated version of his debut which was originally released in 2015.
Whittington joins us on the Crossmap Podcast to talk about the powerful influence that music has had on his spiritual life. Listen as he shares what God has taught him about the value of patience in balancing a successful career in business with a burgeoning passion writing, recording, and releasing music.
Here is a bold statement that is hard to comprehend and believe. Generation Z is being shaped more by TikTok than by Biblical truth.
This begs the question, who exactly are today’s young adults and how do we reach them? A simple Google search of Gen Z pops up 1.3 billion hits in just a fraction of a second. However, there is very little clarity on what this young people group actually thinks, feels, and believes.
To better understand who these current 13- to 28-year-olds are, Summit Ministries, recognized as a leader in cultural engagement, has released a brand-new 40-page white paper resource called, “State of the Rising Generation Report”. Designed for parents, teachers, and pastors, this free report distills thousands of pages of research, expert interviews, and student groups into a clear, and easy to understand format.
Among the report’s key findings:
- The Identity Crisis: 58% of young adults say they have no clear direction in life.
- Mental Health Struggles: 72% of young women and 67% of young men say anxiety and depression are part of who they are.
- Smartphone vs. AI Generation: If Gen Z is the “smartphone generation,” Gen Alpha is the first “AI generation,” with profound implications for learning and relationships.
- Faith Deconstruction: While church attendance is declining, 90% of young adults express some form of spiritual belief, signaling fresh opportunities for engagement.
- Relationships in Crisis: From pornography to loneliness, isolation to family breakdown, technology and culture are reshaping how young adults view marriage, friendship and community.
Dr. Jeff Myers is one of America’s most respected voices on youth development and worldview. The author of 18 books, he is a frequent commentator on cultural confusion, moral clarity, and generational discipleship. It is his desire to equip parents and leaders with truth and context so they can spend more time connecting with the ones they love, all while guiding Generation Z to fulfill their God-given potential.
Dr. Myers joins me to chat about how the role of technology is quickly shaping Generation Z's worldview. Listen as he shares why it is so vitally important to address today's cultural and political confusion with a strong Biblical viewpoint, one that is clear and relatable to today's young adults.
Sin. S-I-N. It’s a simple three letter word. But unfortunately, it often serves at the root for everything that is negative in our lives.
In what can only be described as a conscious transgression against God’s will and our established moral standards, sin finds its way into our well-intentioned lives through lust, lying, hatred, and even jealousy.
Here are but a few tangible examples of how sin can permeate our souls without even realizing it:
- Hatred toward people who “deserve” it.
- Apathy toward God or those around us.
- Oversensitivity to what others say or think of you.
- Thinking you have more knowledge, are better looking, and more superior than anyone else around you.
- Following rules is more important than loving others.
Author Karl Clauson believes that sin is literally killing us. Most would agree that sin doesn’t lead to anything productive in our lives. But how can we take hold of God’s promises and walk in freedom – not just a temporary fix but as a sustained, lasting victory?
In his latest book, “Killing Sin: Conquer the One Thing That is Defeating You”, Clauson outlines behavioral habits that hold us back, an understanding of how we can change, and key strategies for winning the war against sin that are grounded in Scripture.
Simply put, sin separates us from God. And the Moody Radio host shows you how to successfully fight temptation and overcome the sin in your life.
Clauson joins me to chat about why so many people struggle to overcome bad habits or sin in their life. Listen as he shares the difference between recognizing our sin, owning our sin, and what we can do about it to live more fulfilling lives.
Spiritual beings exist, and they impact our world far more than politicians, governments, and other authorities. They also directly influence our thoughts, emotions, and actions.
Allen Jackson is no stranger to the impact that unseen spiritual influences can have in our lives. As the pastor of a Nashville area church with more than 15,000 members, Jackson has made it his mission to help people become more fully devoted followers of Jesus Christ. Paramount to that cause is his desire to provide keen theological insight on unexplainable spiritual forces in our lives.
In his latest book, “Angels, Demons, and You”, Jackson explores what the Bible has to say about angels, demons, and their roles on the earth and in our lives. In doing so, he provides valuable insight, practical tools, and Biblical truths to help us recognize the spiritual battle around us and how to stand firm in our faith.
Jackson joins me to chat about why spiritual warfare is so relevant in today's world. Listen as he shares key signs that someone may be experiencing angelic or demonic activity and what we can do about it.
Watch the trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rGd9zO_lvU4
There have been many cinematic attempts over the years to portray the life of Jesus Christ in such a manner that would both entertain audiences and hopefully evangelize at the same time. Fortunately, many have succeeded but others have fallen flat.
With painstakingly good intentions, many productions of “the greatest story ever told” have tried to do too much, grasping to highlight every nuance of Jesus’ life but losing its clarity of purpose along the way.
Co-director John Schafer and executive producer Brennan McPherson believe their new animated movie about the life of Jesus, is the film families have been waiting for, something you can watch together, knowing it will clearly portray the life of Jesus. “Light of the World”, which opens in theaters on September 5th, is set to deliver the time-tested, universal truths of the Gospel message through the medium of classic animation.
Set in 30 AD and told from the perspective of John the Apostle as a teenager, this throwback 2D animated feature will explore Jesus’ ministry from the beginning through His crucifixion and resurrection. While the techniques may vary from today’s computer generated visuals, “Light of the World” tells a timeless story designed to inspire and transform lives.
Schafer and McPherson join me to chat about the inherent challenges in making a 2D animated film versus today's dazzling computer animation, what sets this movie apart from all the other films made about the life of Jesus, and how "Light of the World" fulfills a lifelong dream for both of them.
Summer is a great time for students to make a splash into activities that create family memories lasting a lifetime. Collecting seashells at the beach, spying a bear on a hike in the mountains, or riding a thrilling roller coaster may be part of the plan for kids, but for teachers, this time off is often spent thinking and planning for the next school year.
It is during these seemingly endless summer days that quality educators sift through the myriad of ways they can do a better job of making a positive and lasting impact on their students. And for those who don’t, there is hope.
Dr. Kevin Leman and Kristin Leman O'Reilly believe that becoming a tremendous educator is easier than you think. They contend that by following a few simple steps, you can inspire and energize your classroom for a lifetime of success.
In Be a Great Teacher by Friday: 5 Winning Ways to Spark World-Changing Potential, Dr. Leman and O'Reilly offer wisdom fueled guidance on how to best refine education basics and craft an intentional culture to match your teaching goals.
We recently sat down with this father/daughter duo to discuss the greatest challenges facing teachers these days, some positive developments currently happening in classrooms across the United States, and the most important thing educators need to know to be successful.
When you grow up in a rural part of New England your dreams of being anything in the media or the arts become practical, shaped by geography as much or more so than talent.
For someone who aspires to share their music with the masses, the thought of Hollywood or Nashville seems like a distant pinpoint on a map rather than a destination for the dream.
The sobering fact is, not too many musicians from the Northeastern reaches of the United States have broken through to national success. For every James Taylor or Ray LaMontagne, the musical landscape is littered by artists who dreamed big but didn’t quite make it past the county line.
Ben Fuller grew up on his family’s dairy farm in southern Vermont. He began singing when he was young on the farm but didn’t play his first show until 2017, when he was 30 years old, at a small local bar. But that was enough to fuel his passion for more. Soon thereafter, he packed up everything he had and headed to Nashville, determined to make his mark on the music industry.
Playing every live venue that would give him stage time, Fuller eventually caught the ear of Provident Entertainment, who signed him to a recording contract in 2022.
The rest as they say is history. In the last three years, Fuller has racked up two Dove Awards, a KLOVE Award, 53 million streams of his single “If I Got Jesus”, and performances at the Grand Ole Opry and the CMA Festival.
He has just released his second album, “Walk Through Fire”, that features a collaboration with multi-platinum selling artist Carrie Underwood on a song called “If It Was Up to Me”.
Fuller joins us to chat about growing up on a rural dairy farm in rural Vermont, what inspired him to take the big leap to start his music career in Nashville, and a fateful dinner with hometown friends that changed his life forever.
With a quiet stealth-like frequency, children’s television programming is becoming more and more woke. So much so that conservative parents are becoming increasingly concerned.
One doesn’t have to look far to see that gender ideology has made inroads on shows like Muppet Babies which features a transgender character, or Blues Clues and You that has trumpeted an animated “Pride Parade” hosted by a drag queen.
Even Sesame Street, considered to be the gold standard in children’s television programming, has celebrated LGBTQ Pride Month for many years.
Seeing this negative trend, Kirk Cameron has joined in partnership with Brave Books to create a new children’s television series to counter some of these progressive concepts that are increasingly permeating the children’s television programming landscape.
Currently streaming on Great American Pure Flix, Iggy and Mr. Kirk is a live action/animated series that is designed for children and families. The program follows a curious iguana and his friend, Mr. Kirk, as they explore engaging yet profound life lessons that are grounded in Scripture. Each episode demonstrates faith-based values like kindness, courage and compassion all seen through the lens of effective storytelling, humor, and music. Think Veggie Tales meets Mr. Rogers' Neighborhood.
In addition to Cameron who plays the lead role of Mr. Kirk, the show also features Disney Channel alum Leigh-Allyn Baker and renowned American puppeteer John Kennedy.
Cameron joins me to chat about the role entertainment plays in the values our children develop and observe through the media they consume. Listen as he encourages parents to be more intentional about kids having positive entertainment to choose from.
It was sort of a strange ending for three-time Dove Award winner Tenth Avenue North. Set to disband after 20 years with a highly touted farewell tour in 2020, the celebrated quartet never got their chance. Cut short due to the global pandemic, the band was left sitting at home. And for lead singer Mike Donehey, he was wondering what his next move would be in Christian music.
The last five years have been a bit of a journey for Donehey and has included two EP solo records, a podcast hosting gig, writing and publishing a book, touring as a solo artist, and then in 2024, the decision to reform Tenth Avenue North but with a different set of backing musicians.
Donehey joins me to chat about what God has taught him through two decades in contemporary Christian music (CCM), and his excitement for Tenth Avenue North’s first studio album release in six years, “Learning to Trust”.
It has been two years since it was announced that faith-based streaming platform Pure Flix would be merging with family-friendly television network, Great American Media.
On paper, the move made a lot of sense. Great American Media brought a portfolio filled with multi-faceted family programming juxtaposed with Pure Flix, a leading streaming service that provided faith and family-friendly movies and series.
This all sounds great but one couldn’t help but wonder how it would all shake out. Fortunately, it has been a fairly seamless transition that has left viewers satisfied and hopeful for the future.
Great American Pure Flix CEO Bill Abbott is a seasoned veteran of more than 30 years in the television industry, who has successfully blended these two respected media entities into a programming experience that honors faith, family, and provides fantastic entertainment on any given day of the week.
Abbott joins us to sift through what has transpired the last couple of years with Great American Pure Flix, shares what viewers can expect to see over the next few years on this streaming platform, and mentions some original programming that he is really excited about.
Through a comprehensive exploration into the word “herald” (ok, a simple Google search using AI tools), we find that this declarative moniker is a messenger, especially one announcing important news or proclamations, often for royalty.
Kim Gentry-Meyer, an Award-winning singer/songwriter, believes that the most important news or proclamation for royalty in the history of the world is delivering the Good News of the King of Kings, Jesus Christ. So much so that the former Mrs. Massachusetts has released a new book called Herald Reflections.
Essentially a companion devotional-type book to her 2023 musical release Herald, Herald Reflections takes a multimedia approach as it features songs, paintings, artwork, Scripture, and short devotionals that are designed to honor and glorify God while serving as an encouragement to others.
We recently sat down with Gentry-Meyer to discuss the significance of the word herald, why she chose an unorthodox approach to put this book together, and her hope that people will become heralds in their daily lives.
To have a calling on your life is sometimes difficult to explain. Beyond being a sense of purpose or direction in your life, a calling is the unexplainable belief that there is something you were meant to do. It’s a mission or a destiny that is unique to you. But what if your calling involves other people, specifically those who are related to you?
The Erwins, a Gospel quartet from Texas, believe they have a collective calling to serve God through the gift of music. And when that is combined with pure talent and a servant’s heart for people, you have an incomparable ministry.
These Grammy-nominated and Dove Award-winning siblings grew up singing in countless churches and events around the country as they traveled with their father, a full-time itinerant evangelist for more than 50 years.
Says Keith Erwin, “Singing is all we know and all we want to do. It’s our life and our joy to serve the Lord with the voices He has given us.”
The Erwins debut Southern Gospel recording, “What Really Matters, released in 2011. Since then, they have delivered eight albums including the Grammy-nominated “What Christmas Really Means” and the critically acclaimed “Life Story” in 2024. In addition, they have also landed two #1 Southern Gospel radio hits, “The God I Know” and “Red Words".
Keith, Kody, Kris, and Katie Erwin join us to share their family story of blazing new trails in Southern Gospel music. Listen as they take us through how prayer, focus, and determination charts the course for their music ministry and why living out their calling is a foundational value in their family.
We have all heard the well-worn statistic that one in every two marriages end in divorce. It’s hard. There is too much responsibility involved. The longer you are married the more boring life becomes. The excuses for ending a marriage seem endless. Yet research tells us the happiest people in the world are those in a healthy marriage.
For example:
A recent study from the National Center for Health indicates that marriage rates are increasing while divorce rates are declining.
In another positive development, Harvard University reports that regular churchgoers are 50 percent less likely to divorce.
A recent Gallup survey says that married people are 20 percent happier than those who are unmarried.
Obviously, it is quite easy to get lost in the minutiae of percentages, platitudes, and the possibilities these studies provide. However, there is the enduring thought that marriage can be enriching if we see it as a celebration and not a life sentence.
My guest today is a bestselling author and podcast host who has a new book out called ‘Making Marriage Easier: How to Love (and Like) Your Spouse for Life’. She believes there are four key decisions that will help you clarify your marital values and cultivate a marriage that is not only enduring but one that is exciting and filled with contentment.
My guest, who has been married 25 years herself, wants to address and hopefully eliminate common threats to our marriage – poor communication, tension over differences, lack of physical intimacy, parenting stress, and many more.
Pellicane, who also hosts "The Happy Home Podcast", joins us to talk about four key decisions that make marriage easier. Listen as she explains why it is vital to keep a marriage vibrant and how it prevents spouses from feeling like roommates, and the importance of prioritizing your life partner over your children.
It has been said that a good laugh can completely change your day for the better. Why is comedy so important?
The Bible is filled with example after example of laughter being a vital and valuable gift from God. For example:
In Job 8:21, it says, ““He will once again fill your mouth with laughter and your lips with shouts of joy."
“A cheerful heart is good medicine, but a broken heart saps a person’s strength.” – Proverbs 17:22.
Psalm 126:2 says, “We were filled with laughter and we sang for joy. And the other nations said, ‘What amazing things the Lord has done for them.’"
And from Ecclesiastes 2:2: “Laughter is silly. What good does it do to seek pleasure?"
Well … it has been scientifically proven that comedy entertains and connects us in a way that drama and seriousness does not. Comedy addresses difficult topics in such a way that it provides a break from the world bearing down on us. Needless to say, there is great value in the ability to entertain and uplift. Making someone laugh just … feels … good.
Carrie Murphy claims that she is the funniest Christian you will ever meet … or at least she thinks so. A rising comedian out of Nashville, she is also a published writer and speaker who has shared the stage with Matthew West, Grammy Award winner CeCe Winans, Tasha Layton, and many more. It is her passion to make everyone feel seen, included, and shame-free in the name of Jesus!
Murphy, who currently has 9-part comedy special on KLOVE, joins us to talk about how life is too short to be serious all the time. Listen as she explains that as Christians, we can laugh and be God honoring because our Creator made laughter for everyone.
To be lost in the heart of worship is something that all Christians aspire to do. To be moved by God’s presence due to His goodness, love, and mercy, is something so strong and profound that it can’t easily be put into words.
Bethel Music’s Jenn Johnson agrees.
For the last 25 years, Johnson and Bethel Music have sought to bring music to the masses that invites listeners to take hold of their true identity and pursue intimacy with God above everything else.
Fresh from winning two Dove Awards, including one for “Song of the Year”, Bethel Music has recently released a live praise and worship album called We Must Respond.. Recorded late last year at the Cascade Theater in Redding, California, its 17 songs feature the Bethel Music Collective as well as guest vocalistsBrooke Ligertwood, Abbie Gamboa, and Aodhan King.
Johnson joins us to talk about the new album and how its title is a declaration of sorts. Listen as she explains why she considers each song to be a 'holy exchange' for listeners and she shares her perspective on the future of praise and worship music.
For centuries, theologians, scholars, and everyday people have debated whether miracles still happen. Are they a glorious outcome from the hand of a living God, or are they a relic of a bygone era rooted in the Old Testament?
As people of faith we would like to believe that someone’s cancerous tumor mysteriously shrinking overnight is a miracle, yet the scientific community quickly pumps the brakes on that notion, pointing instead to obscure, unreliable research to support what cannot be explained.
CBN News investigative journalist Billy Hallowellbelieves in miracles. Curious to know the inside story of people who have experienced a miracle, Hallowell recently embarked on a journey to discover exactly what happens to these affected people and find proof to support what the Bible says about these seemingly supernatural occurrences.
In the new documentary Investigating the Supernatural: Miracles, Hallowell traveled around the United States cobbling together fascinating insights from scientific experts, theologians, and those who have actually experienced a miracle, to determine whether miracles are still happening today. What he found may surprise you.
Hallowell joins us to discuss the sociological or psychological impact of believing in miracles. Listen as he shares common threads he found in those who have experienced this type of supernatural event, and a personal discovery he made that changed everything.
Movie director Jon Erwinis someone who has had great success over the years. From October Baby way back in 2011 to Jesus Revolution and back to I Can Only Imagine, the Birmingham, Alabama native has always had a knack for finding and telling stories that resonate with people deeply for their foundational family values told through the lens of faith.
Erwin is also someone who is a collector and keeper of past memories that have developed into projects he is passionate about. One needs to look no further than his 2023 releaseJesus Revolution starring Kelsey Grammer and Jonathan Roumie. Intrigued by a 1966 Time Magazine cover stating “Is God Dead?”, Erwin carried around the magazine in his computer bag for nearly a decade before turning that base idea into the aforementioned movie that generated $54 million at the box office.
His latest passion project is a new 8-episode limited series currently airing on Amazon Prime called House of David. Stemming from a vivid memory he had visiting Israel with his father at age 16, Erwin thought that one day he could make a sweeping, visually spectacular recreation on the life of King David from the Old Testament.
Starring Broadway actor Michael Iskander, Ali Suliman, Ayelet Zurer, and Stephen Lang, House of David tells the story of the ascent of the aforementioned beloved Biblical figure, who eventually becomes the most renowned and celebrated king of Israel.
Erwin and Iskander join us on the podcast to discuss the critical importance of Biblical accuracy in retelling David’s story, why this popular figure of the Old Testament is considered the first superhero in human history, and how this project humbled each of them.
With the premiere of The Chosen’s Season 5 upon us, fans anticipating more of the same may be surprised by what they encounter from the eight new episodes coming over the next few months. Seen as the beginning of the end in the highly-sought after program’s seven season arc, viewers will be challenged with the most intense, mature, and challenging themes yet.
In a phased release, Season 5 will be available in theaters in the United States and Canada in three parts beginning March 27th. The season will then be available to stream on Amazon Prime Video starting in June.
'The Chosen' creator Dallas Jenkins welcomes the challenges and hardships Season 5 presents, most notably the events leading up to Jesus’ crucifixion, including His triumphal entry into Jerusalem, the Last Supper, and His betrayal and subsequent arrest.
Jenkins is thankful for storylines that not only build character but ones that will eventually propel the greatest story ever told to its triumphant ending.
To date, more than 200 million viewers have watched at least one episode of The Chosen with video views quickly closing in on the 800 million mark worldwide.
Jenkins joins us to talk about how he prepared himself physically and mentally to film the gripping scene of Jesus' crucifixion. Listen as the popular director explains the significance of this season in the series' overarching narrative and how it is the most gut-wrenching, emotional season he has ever filmed.
When thinking about racial equality in sports, one immediately conjures up thoughts of young Jackie Robinson stepping between the lines to become the first African-American athlete in Major League Baseball in 1947.
But what about the other major sports? While we hear so much about Robinson suiting up for the Brooklyn Dodgers, less is known about the other three major sports. While Fritz Pollard is credited for being the first African-American professional football player in 1920, the NHL’s Willie O’Ree did not break the color barrier until 1958 as a member of the Boston Bruins.
Perhaps the most diverse league in professional sports today, the NBA, wasn’t always known for being a game for all ethnicities. As a tenet of proof, Nat “Sweetwater” Clifton, who had spent many years toiling for the independent Harlem Globetrotters, did not step foot on an NBA court to become its first African-American player until signing a contract with the New York Knicks in 1950. Without Clifton, there would be no Michael Jordan or Lebron James to cheer for today.
Sweetwater,Clifton’s inspirational story of overcoming a lifetime of barriers and racial discrimination is the subject of a new movie streaming on the Angel Studios app.
In addition to my special guest, Everett Osborne, who stars in the movie as Nat “Sweetwater” Clifton, the film also features an all-star cast including Richard Dreyfuss, Jim Caviezel, Jeremy Piven, Kevin Pollak, and Cary Elwes.
I recently sat down with Osborne to discuss why Clifton should be seen as a pioneer for racial equality in sports, valuable lessons that can be learned from his life and witness, and how his life can be seen as hope for tomorrow as well as today.