CIA: Contagious Influencers of America - podcast cover

CIA: Contagious Influencers of America

Contagious, Inc.contagiousinfluencers.com
CIA: The Contagious Influencers of America Podcast. Meet the Gamechangers, the Influencers and those who are not afraid to show up with a shovel if that's what it takes to move a mountain. Go inside the minds of true American trailblazers who are making a difference by sharing their stories of personal triumph, overcoming obstacles, defeating fear, fighting addiction, and rejecting failure. Hosted by 9-time Emmy winner David Sams.
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Episodes

#273 : WINK MARTINDALE - Stories from an iconic TV and radio career. A legend we will dearly miss and never forget..

Wink Martindale, the legendary radio and television icon, died in Rancho Mirage, California on Tuesday, April 15, 2025, at the age of 91. The king of game shows who was perhaps best known for hosting the beloved Tic-Tac-Dough and Gambit, had a remarkable 74-year career. He was surrounded by family and his beloved wife of 49 years, Sandra Martindale. Wink was a longtime friend of CIA host and 9-time Emmy winner David Sams who sat down to interview him in 2019. We'd like to share this wonderful co...

Apr 16, 20251 hr 1 minSeason 1Ep. 273

# 272: JON ERWIN - Facing Giants With a Bold New Take on the Epic Story of David

The epic tale of David and Goliath has inspired generations—but what if you could experience it like never before? Award-winning filmmaker Jon Erwin (Jesus Revolution, I Can Only Imagine) is bringing this legendary story to life in House of David , a groundbreaking new TV series streaming worldwide on Prime Video starting February 27th. In this compelling podcast episode, nine-time Emmy winner David Sams sits down with his friend Jon for an exclusive behind-the-scenes look at his latest project,...

Feb 13, 202543 minSeason 1Ep. 272

# 271: DEMI-LEIGH TEBOW goes beyond the Miss Universe crown and talks about family, fear and faith!

Where do you place your value? Demi-Leigh Tebow has learned her identity is much more than her Miss Universe crown. In this episode, nine-time Emmy winner David Sams chats with Demi about her book “A Crown That Lasts” and the inspiration behind it. Demi, who’s the wife of former NFL quarterback Tim Tebow, shares how her own experiences of failure and identity struggles led her to write the book. Demi emphasizes the importance of rooting one's identity in something more stable and trustworthy tha...

Feb 08, 202527 minSeason 1Ep. 271

# 270: MARK BATTERSON inspires us by reminding us of the millions of miracles God performs every day

It was Einstein who said: "There are only two ways to live your life. One is as though nothing is a miracle. The other is as though everything is a miracle." In this engaging conversation, nine-time Emmy winner David Sams and New York Times bestselling author Pastor Mark Batterson explore the concept of miracles in contemporary life, discussing personal experiences, the importance of gratitude, and the role of faith. Batterson shares his journey of overcoming asthma, emphasizing that every breat...

Feb 03, 202525 minSeason 1Ep. 270

# 269: TIM STOREY is here to help ignite your miracle mentality for 2025!

What better time than now to ignite your comeback with the original comeback coach, Tim Storey , life coach to the stars! In this special episode, nine-time Emmy winner David Sams catches up with his good friend to discuss personal growth, overcoming obstacles, and unlocking your hidden potential through the transformative power of mindset. Drawing from Tim’s book The Miracle Mentality , this inspiring conversation explores: Overcoming toxic thoughts and embracing positivity and purpose. Navigat...

Jan 21, 202550 minSeason 1Ep. 269

#268: CHRIS MACCHIO is America's tenor with a golden-era voice uniting people across the globe from the White House balcony & Butler, PA

He's most recently known for his performance of "God Bless America" at the Butler, Pennsylvania Trump Rally, and now he'll be performing again this time as President Donald Trump is sworn in as the 47th President of the United States. Nine-time Emmy winner David Sams gets to sit down with international classical-crossover vocalist, Chris Macchio . In this engaging conversation, Chris shares his journey of connecting with President Trump through music, reflecting on the significance of his perfor...

Jan 11, 202519 minSeason 1Ep. 268

# 267: BRANT HANSEN is starting out the New Year with a message of joy and healthy mindset to combat stress!

Regardless of how stressed and anxiety-ridden you entered 2025, it's possible to live joyfully and without worry. Radio host and podcaster Brant Hansen shares the message of taking Jesus seriously in all of life and in turn finding a sense of peace amongst the chaos. In this engaging conversation, nine-time Emmy winner David Sams chats with Brant about the themes of joy, anxiety, and trust in God. Brant emphasizes the importance of gratitude in overcoming anxiety and the impact of social media o...

Jan 08, 202527 minSeason 1Ep. 267

# 266: WNBA star MAYA MOORE IRONS and her husband JONATHAN IRONS share their journey to justice through unwavering faith

Would you give up everything you've worked for your entire life in the name of justice? Maya Moore Irons is a two-time NCAA champion, two-time Olympic gold medalist, four-time WNBA champion, and WNBA MVP. But Maya put that all aside in 2019 to focus on exonerating her now husband, Jonathan Irons, from a 50-year prison sentence for a crime he didn't commit. Nine-time Emmy winner David Sams chats with both Maya and Jonathan about their story, detailed in their memoir: " Love & Justice: A Story...

Dec 19, 202447 minSeason 1Ep. 266

# 265: GRANGER SMITH takes a detour from life as a decorated musician to pursue life in ministry

Farewell to country music, guilt, and pain. Granger Smith now has newfound purpose. After 24 years touring as an award-winning, platinum-selling, country music singer-songwriter, Smith chose to leave the music business to pursue a future in ministry. Nine-time Emmy winner David Sams sits down with the now best-selling author, five years after the tragic loss of his son, River, to discuss finding purpose in the pain. Granger also talks about his children's book on grief called “Up Toward the Ligh...

Dec 14, 202429 minSeason 1Ep. 265

# 264: VAN ZANT, the iconic Southern Rock duo reunite to release their first ever Jesus album and talk about family, faith & legacy

Iconic Southern Rock brothers Donnie and Johnny Van Zant reunite as VAN ZANT to release their first ever Christian album sharing about their faith that has been a constant thread throughout their lives. Collectively they have sold over 50 million records, from Johnny’s work as the lead vocalist of Lynyrd Skynyrd to Donnie’s success with 38 Special, and older brother Ronnie's posthumous legacy with Skynyrd as a founding member, they share how they balance honoring the past with creating fresh sou...

Nov 28, 202437 minSeason 1Ep. 264

# 263: WE ARE MESSENGERS front-man Darren Mulligan shares the joyful hope of Christmas with an Irish twist

Nollaig Shona Duit! Merry Christmas! We Are Messengers are celebrating this holiday season in an authentic Irish way. They have had 11 consecutive top 10 radio singles including the multi chart #1 hit song “Come What May” and the Gold certified “Maybe Its OK’. Now their new EP "Rejoice! A Celtic Christmas" is out, putting a Celtic spin on some of your favorite Christmas classics. Nine-time Emmy winner David Sams sits down with front-man Darren Mulligan at the homestead to talk about his band's n...

Nov 22, 202433 minSeason 1Ep. 263

# 262: for KING + COUNTRY’s Christmas Celebration: Music, Memories, a New Film, Tour, and Heartfelt Holiday Stories!

It's the biggest Christmas celebration for this quadruple GRAMMY-winning Christian pop duo yet! For KING + COUNTRY is not only touring the month of December and releasing a new "Drummer Boy Christmas Live" album this week, but they are also taking their tour to the big screen offering a cinematic concert experience "A Drummer Boy Christmas Live" in theaters everywhere December 5-9th ONLY. Nine-time Emmy winner David Sams sits down with brothers Joel and Luke Smallbone for a heartfelt conversatio...

Nov 20, 202433 minSeason 1Ep. 262

# 261: TRANS-SIBERIAN ORCHESTRA's lead guitarist AL PITRELLI on how explosives, rock, and tradition make Christmas merry!

Silent night? Not with this band! The Trans-Siberian Orchestra ’s music is a staple over the holiday season and you can experience it all during their 2024 winter tour. The Trans-Siberian Orchestra (TSO) is one of the world’s top touring artists of the past decade and has sold over 12 million albums. Nine-time Emmy winner David Sams chats with lead guitarist and musical director of TSO, Al Pitrelli. Al shares how the music we’ve all come to know and love was created, and the impact it’s had on g...

Nov 15, 202447 minSeason 1Ep. 261

# 260: HANNAH KERR's angelic voice shares about overcoming anxiety through song and the gift of faith at Christmas

Hannah Kerr , a Curb recording artist and gifted songwriter with over 146 million career streams, is known for her chart-topping hit "Warrior." Yet, like many young adults today, she battles one of the most common challenges of our time: anxiety. In a heartfelt conversation with nine-time Emmy winner David Sams, Hannah opens up about her journey to conquer worry and self-doubt. Their discussion also dives into her latest musical work, her sophomore album As I Am , and gives an exciting preview o...

Nov 04, 202434 minSeason 1Ep. 260

# 259: DALLAS JENKINS directs his next project where chaos meets Christmas on its way to becoming a classic

Silent night - hold on tight! Imagine this: "the worst kids in the history of the world" crashing your town's Christmas pageant? Would you turn them away, or show them the true spirit of Christmas? That's the heart of the new film, " The Best Christmas Pageant Ever ," directed by Dallas Jenkins, the creator behind "The Chosen." In an interview with nine-time Emmy winner David Sams, Jenkins dives into his journey of adapting the beloved book for the big screen, aiming to create a Christmas classi...

Oct 24, 202418 minSeason 1Ep. 259

# 258: STEPHEN ARTERBURN shines help and hope into life's hardest places amidst today's culture wars

Want to love your neighbor, but also stand firm in your convictions? Stephen Arterburn says both are achievable, even in today's social climate. Stephen is the founder and chairman of New Life Ministries and host of the syndicated Christian counseling talk show "New Life Live!" He's also a speaker, bestselling author with more than 15 million books in print, and co-creator of the "Life Recovery Bible." In this conversation​ with nine-time Emmy winner David Sams, you'll hear real-life stories fro...

Oct 17, 202446 minSeason 1Ep. 258

# 257: HAL DONALDSON founded CONVOY of HOPE and brings disaster relief to victims of the devastating hurricanes and more

If you were left with no power, no food, and water intruding on your home, who would you turn to for help? Convoy of Hope is a global, faith-based, nonprofit organization that delivers emergency relief to communities affected by disasters like the Hurricanes Milton and Helene that have hit the Southeast. KeepTheFaith Charities is partnering with Convoy of Hope and other “boots on the ground” organizations to provide necessary relief. Nine-time Emmy winner David Sams sits down with Hal Donaldson ...

Oct 11, 202434 minSeason 1Ep. 257

# 256: ERIC CLOSE makes a stand by taking a knee in his latest role as "AVERAGE JOE"

He stood for the rights of every American by taking a knee. Actor Eric Close (Nashville, Without A Trace) is starring in the movie “ Average Joe ” that’s based off the true story of coach Joe Kennedy. Coach Kennedy, a Marine, was fired as a high school football coach for praying after football games. He decided to fight for religious freedom and freedom of speech taking his case all the way to the Supreme Court. You can see the story yourself in theaters for a limited time on October 11th. Nine-...

Oct 04, 202423 minSeason 1Ep. 256

# 255: Coach JOE KENNEDY champions religious freedom in a battle from the 50-yard line

Joe Kennedy wants you to stand up, or kneel down rather, for what you believe in! Joe was a high school football coach who was under fire for taking a knee in prayer after games. Eventually he was fired, launching a seven-year legal battle for religious freedom that went to the Supreme Court. Nine-time Emmy winner David Sams sits down with Joe to hear his life story first-hand before the major motion picture, " Average Joe ," hits theaters nationwide. Hear the compelling personal account of Joe'...

Sep 25, 202442 minSeason 1Ep. 255

# 254: KEVIN DOWNES and BRANDON GREGORY bring a rush of hope to theaters with their new film "White Bird" on October 4

There’s no better time than now for a message of spreading kindness! Nine-time Emmy winner David Sams speaks with CEO Kevin Downes and President and COO Brandon Gregory from Kingdom Story Company about their upcoming film “ White Bird ,” the importance of kindness, and the unique approach they take in creating faith-based films. They discuss the challenges of filmmaking, the significance of prayer and community, and the journey of finding self-worth in God. The conversation highlights the power ...

Sep 20, 202448 minSeason 1Ep. 254

# 253: DR. JOSH STRAUB provides real tools on how to stay connected as a family and live with purpose

Feeling lost? Famous At Home founder Dr. Josh Straub can help you find your way back home. He breaks down why it’s crucial to prioritize emotional well-being, not just for yourself but for the health of your home and relationships. From dealing with stress and conflict in marriage to fostering emotional resilience in your kids, he speaks with nine-time Emmy winner David Sams and offers actionable steps to create a more connected and supportive family environment. Whether you're a parent or leade...

Sep 18, 202436 minSeason 1Ep. 253

# 252: JAMES E. WARD, JR. talks about reparations, injustice and freedom from hatred with a "Zero Victim" mentality

​Are you tired of feeling weighed down by ​​today’s complex racial, cultural, and socio-political challenges? James E. Ward Jr ., known as "America's Zero Victim Pastor," offers a fresh perspective on how to break free from these burdens. A highly sought-after speaker, James addresses ​t​hese taboo subjects with a message that’s both timely and transformative. His "Zero Victim" philosophy empowers individuals to overcome adversity through faith and hope. In this conversation​ with nine-time Emmy...

Sep 13, 202439 minSeason 1Ep. 252

# 251: DAVID A.R. WHITE brings to light how God still has a place in our nation in the latest "God's Not Dead" movie franchise

God's timing is always perfect and that couldn't be more true for the latest installment of the " God's Not Dead " franchise. David A.R. White is starring in "God's Not Dead: In God We Trust" that is set to hit theaters on September 12th. David sits down with nine-time Emmy winner David Sams to talk about how the movie centers on contemporary issues related to faith and politics. David answers the crucial question: Does God still have a place in politics? Here the answer for yourself and be enco...

Sep 06, 202435 minSeason 1Ep. 251

# 250: SCOTT BAIO is in the house! Wah wah wah! Iconic "Happy Days" TV star hits the big screen

Did you know that 40 million Christians don’t vote? The latest “God’s Not Dead” movie is on a mission to change that, and it starts with letting people know their voices deserve to be heard. “ God’s Not Dead: In God We Trust ” is in theaters September 12th. Nine-time Emmy winner David Sams sits down with Scott Baio who stars in the film. Scott is best known for his roles as Chachi in TV's iconic shows like “Happy Days” and “Joanie Loves Chachi” and Charles in “Charles In Charge.” Scott now has e...

Aug 30, 202430 minSeason 1Ep. 250

# 249: DENNIS QUAID portrays his favorite president in the new movie "REAGAN" in theaters August 30th

When one dream fades, it can often be the dawn of a new one! The story of President Ronald Reagan is filled with overcoming the odds—making his way from small-town roots, to Hollywood stardom, and then onto sitting in the White House. The movie " Reagan " hits the theaters nationwide on August 30th. Actor Dennis Quaid takes on the role of the 40th President, and brings to life a story that transcends the boundaries of a typical biopic. Nine-time Emmy winner David Sams catches up with Dennis, who...

Aug 23, 202439 minSeason 1Ep. 249

# 248: PRISCILLA SHIRER captivates audiences as she portrays a single mom in the new movie "The Forge"

You may know her for the more than two dozen books and Bible studies she’s written, or for her popular conferences with Going Beyond Ministries, but this month you’ll be able to see her on the big screen once again. Priscilla Shirer is starring in the latest Kendrick Brothers’ film, “ The Forge ,” that hits theaters on August 23rd. Nine-time Emmy winner David Sams catches up with the actress to discuss her involvement in the movie “The Forge” and the importance of discipleship. Priscilla shares ...

Aug 16, 202424 minSeason 1Ep. 248

# 247: ALEX KENDRICK has a message of hope to help mentor the next generation in his new film, "THE FORGE"

"Whoever wants the next generation the most, will get them." We are all role models to someone in this world, and we can have a positive impact. The Kendrick Brothers are the creators of film hits like "War Room," "Overcomer," and "Courageous." Now, after years of prayer, their new movie " The Forge " is set out to inspire those of us to become mentors to the next generation, and for young men and women to realize the purpose their lives have. Nine-time Emmy winner David Sams sits down with dire...

Aug 08, 202436 minSeason 1Ep. 247

# 246: CUBA GOODING, JR. clings to a prayer that gets him through the darkest times and shares about his latest role

Drug-dealer-turned-Christian is the latest role for Oscar winning actor Cuba Gooding, Jr. " The Firing Squad " is in theaters August 2nd and Cuba's starring role has him reflecting on his own faith journey. It's based on the incredible true story of prisoners who found faith while facing execution in a third world country and their love for Christ changes the eternal destiny of others. Nine-time Emmy winner David Sams has Cuba in person at the homestead to talk about his childhood, this latest r...

Aug 01, 202432 minSeason 1Ep. 246

# 245: KEVIN SORBO is dedicated to creating stories that inspire and bringing meaningful entertainment to the big screen

If you're wondering if there's any hope out there, let Kevin Sorbo shine down a light. His new film: " The Firing Squad " is based on the incredible true story of three prisoners who find faith and redemption while facing execution in a third world country. Kevin, who first rose to fame as TV's "Hercules," has appeared in films like the box office hit "God's Not Dead" and his own studio film "Let There Be Light." Nine-time Emmy winner David Sams sits down with the actor to discuss the future of ...

Jul 24, 202432 minSeason 1Ep. 245

# 244: DANNY GOKEY is set to release new music filled with hope and reveals his philanthropic dreams

Three-time Grammy nominee and American Idol finalist Danny Gokey is back at the Contagious Influencers of America podcast studio ahead of his new album drop. “Sound of Heaven” is set to be released on July 26th. Nine-time Emmy winner David Sams asks Danny all sorts of burning questions about his Latin influence in music, his ultimate dream in life, his growing non-profit that is improving the lives of others across the country, and how Danny remembers fellow AI alumna and legendary artist Mandis...

Jul 19, 202432 minSeason 1Ep. 244
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