This week, as we celebrate the spirit of independence, we’re spotlighting a uniquely American story. Jared Orton , president of the Savannah Bananas baseball team , joins us to reflect on a journey that started with just a few season tickets, no logo, and a wild idea. From humble beginnings in a historic Savannah stadium to becoming a national sensation, it’s a story about bringing people together, breaking the mold, and accomplishing it all with a deeper meaning. Later in the episode, we’ll hea...
Jul 03, 2025•29 min•Season 1Ep. 467
*This episode contains mature content. This week, we’ll hear from war correspondent Benjamin Hall , who has spent much of his career reporting from some of the world’s most dangerous conflict zones. In 2022, while covering the war in Ukraine , he was gravely injured in an attack that killed two of his colleagues. Today, he shares how that harrowing experience challenged his limits and instilled in him the unshakeable belief that we all have the strength to overcome—no matter what we face. Later ...
Jun 26, 2025•29 min•Season 1Ep. 466
On this episode of Jesus Listens: Stories of Prayer , we’re joined by author, editor, and spoken word artist Quina Aragon. Quina shares her passion for helping others see themselves and their story within the pages of the Bible—being willing to engage even with our dark, painful, embarrassing, or shameful chapters toward healing and redemption in Jesus. Guest’s Links Quina’s YouTube: @QuinaAragon Quina’s Facebook: @QuinaAragon Quina’s Instagram: @quina_aragon Watch this interview on our YouTube ...
Jun 24, 2025•11 min
This week, we’ll hear from pastor, speaker, and author DawnCheré Wilkerson . After walking through an eight-year journey of infertility, DawnCheré began to have a new understanding of what it means to trust God even when the answer is “not yet.” Now a mother of four, she encourages others to look for God’s presence not just in fulfilled promises, but in the slow, sacred work of waiting. Later in the episode, we’ll hear from Erin Hicks Moon . Erin is a writer, podcaster, and the resident Bible sc...
Jun 19, 2025•26 min•Season 1Ep. 465
* This episode contains mature content. This week, we get to hear from Becky Murray , the founder and CEO of One By One , an organization committed to ending exploitation and bringing freedom to vulnerable children around the world. Becky’s journey began with a simple desire to fight injustice—a passion that eventually led her from her dreams of a law career to the front lines of global humanitarian work. Becky shares how a pair of pink flip-flops sparked a lifelong mission and why she believes ...
Jun 12, 2025•26 min•Season 1Ep. 464
This week, we’re joined by Mike Nawrocki , best known for his work in co-creating the beloved children’s series VeggieTales , and voice of Larry the Cucumber. Mike shares the leap of faith he took with college friend and VeggieTales co-creator Phil Vischer , the setbacks and devastating losses they faced along the way to create what would become an iconic staple for families all over, and how simple stories told by talking vegetables helped people understand just how much God loves them. Later, ...
Jun 05, 2025•30 min•Season 1Ep. 463
For this special bonus episode, we’re joined by Pastor of Home of Jesus the King Church in Nazareth, Saleem Shalash. Since Biblical times, there’s been animosity between Arabs and Jews in the Middle East, and as an Israeli Arab Christian, Pastor Saleem often felt stuck in the middle. He was raised with hatred for Israel buried deep in his heart, but after God opened his eyes to the reconciliation and love that’s so desperately needed in the world right now, Saleem began providing much-needed hum...
Jun 03, 2025•17 min
This week, we’re joined by Jennifer Tucker , an author and illustrator. When her youngest daughter began experiencing severe panic attacks as a teenager, Jennifer found herself seeking help for her daughter, only to discover that she herself needed help for her long-ignored struggles with anxiety. Through research and the practice of using breath as prayers, Jennifer discovered powerful ways for managing anxiety while deepening her faith. Later in the episode, we’ll hear from college-age athlete...
May 29, 2025•24 min•Season 1Ep. 462
On this episode of Jesus Listens: Stories of Prayer , we’re joined by rancher and rodeo wife Paige Murray. Paige shares how she met her 9x world champion rodeo husband Ty Murray, the life values they’ve learned by working on their ranch, and about her children’s book, Rosie’s Wild Ride —inspired by her daughter Oakley’s brave ride on their family Clydesdale horse. Guest’s Links Facebook: @PaigeDukeMurray Instagram: @paigedmurray Watch this interview on our YouTube channel! https://bit.ly/4j7tpVi...
May 27, 2025•9 min
This week, we’ll hear from Tauren Wells , acclaimed recording artist and lead pastor of Church of Whitestone in Austin, Texas . Raised in Battle Creek, Michigan, Tauren’s early life was steeped in music and shaped by his experiences at a small church and the guidance of a caring youth pastor. In this conversation, Tauren reflects on the things that can steal our focus, the quiet dangers of success, and what it means to live a truly joyful life. Later in the episode, we’ll hear from Out of Eden ,...
May 22, 2025•29 min•Season 1Ep. 461
Welcome to a special bonus episode of the Jesus Calling Podcast . Today, we’ll hear from a number of guests who have previously appeared on the show, giving us their insights and guidance about what helps them when they experience fear and uncertainty in their lives—including Curtis Chang, Jennie Finch, Dr. Michelle Bengston, Dr. Henry Cloud, and Jesse Hutch. Links, Products, and Resources Mentioned: Jesus Calling Podcast Jesus Calling Jesus Always Jesus Listens Curtis Chang Jennie Finch Dr. Mic...
May 20, 2025•23 min
This week, we’re joined by Emily Compagno , an attorney, television host, and advocate for those who serve. From her time as an NFL cheerleader on a USO tour in Iraq, to her work honoring the faith and sacrifice of service members, Emily shares powerful stories of courage, loss, and the unshakable presence of God in the midst of battle. Later in the episode, we’ll hear from author, speaker, and former news anchor Brooke Martin . Brooke reached a point in life where she had nearly everything she ...
May 15, 2025•32 min•Season 1Ep. 460
*This episode mentions suicide and may be triggering for some listeners. This week, we’re diving into something truly transformative—the power of love to change everything. First, we hear from Father Richard Rohr , who shares his lifetime of wisdom about how experiencing deep, unconditional love—not rules or fear—is what really brings about meaningful change. Then, Pastor Zach Meerkreebs takes us to Asbury University , where a truly extraordinary event happened in that faith community. He remind...
May 08, 2025•26 min•Season 1Ep. 459
This week we’ll hear from singer, songwriter, and producer Mark Miller . For over four decades, Mark has been a driving force in music as the lead singer of the legendary country band Sawyer Brown . Beyond the stage, he’s been the guiding hand behind Casting Crowns , producing their music for over twenty years. Now, as Sawyer Brown celebrates its fortieth anniversary with a brand new album and a documentary directed by his daughter, Mark reflects on how his life and career have prayerfully unfol...
May 01, 2025•24 min•Season 1Ep. 458
On this episode of Jesus Listens: Stories of Prayer, we’ll hear from executive strategist, author, and speaker Bethny Ricks. Bethny had an incredible rise to the top of corporate America and two plus decades of experience with Fortune 500 companies. At times, Bethny faced misogyny and racism, which caused her to doubt herself. When a health scare threatened her livelihood, she realized she needed something deeper than success could bring, and turned to her faith for healing and hope. Guest’s Lin...
Apr 29, 2025•10 min
This week we honor Organ Donation Awareness month with music industry veteran Lisa Boullt . Lisa decided to start her own business helping artists and songwriters, and ended up working with legendary country artists. Through this process, Lisa reconnected with her sister Andrea's story, who had passed away in a car accident years earlier and was an organ donor. Lisa was touched by Andrea’s live-giving gift, and felt moved to write her sister’s story and educate people about the impact of organ d...
Apr 24, 2025•26 min•Season 1Ep. 457
This week we’ll hear from Kurt Avery , the leader of Sawyer Products , who shares his mission to bring clean water to underserved communities around the world. Kurt discusses how God equipped him with the means and the determination to create life-changing products that improve global access to safe, clean drinking water. Then, we meet Britney Higgs , the founder of HER Campaign , an organization dedicated to rescuing women from the devastating realities of sex trafficking. Britney opens up abou...
Apr 17, 2025•24 min•Season 1Ep. 456
This week, we welcome Nashville singer/songwriter Dave Barnes . Growing up in a small Mississippi town before moving to Music City, Dave discovered his love for music through a series of seemingly small but pivotal moments. His breakout hit, “ God Gave Me You ,” became a life-changing milestone, coming to life after Dave had prayed a simple prayer for encouragement, and ultimately catching the attention of country superstar Blake Shelton , who went on to record it as well. Later in the episode, ...
Apr 10, 2025•27 min•Season 1Ep. 455
This week we take a heartfelt look at the “dash”—that time between our birth date and our death date—and how our faith can guide us to make every moment count. Entrepreneur and cofounder of Market America , Loren Ridinger , and gospel singer Lynda Randle join us to share their powerful stories of how trusting in God’s plan has shaped their journeys. With resilience and gratitude, they leaned into their faith through loss, fear, and even discrimination, and tell us how we can all leave a lasting ...
Apr 03, 2025•20 min•Season 1Ep. 454
This week, we’re joined by Nikki Walton , host of GoOD fMornings with CurlyNikki and an influential voice in personal transformation, who shares her struggles with self-esteem and identity as a young woman to achieving massive success through her groundbreaking platform, CurlyNikki.com. Nikki's life was filled with accomplishments—but also a profound sense of emptiness. Later in the episode, we’ll hear from Tori Hope Petersen , an author, speaker, and podcaster. After enduring twelve different h...
Mar 27, 2025•28 min•Season 1Ep. 453
On this episode of Jesus Listens: Stories of Prayer, we’ll hear from artist Anne Neilson, best known for her Angel series. Anne shares the story of how she went from getting a D- in 10th grade art class to eventually finding her voice as an artist. Anne shares how God saw her heart for creating and how He inspires her to be a light in the world through her artwork. Watch this interview on our YouTube channel! https://bit.ly/4beXLC4 Guest’s Links Facebook: @anneneilsonhome Instagram: @anneneilson...
Mar 25, 2025•12 min
*This episode may be triggering for some listeners.* This week, we have writer and speaker Ann Voskamp back on the podcast. Ann shares insights from her personal experiences with anxiety and brokenness and what she found out while she waited through those uncomfortable moments, and how she used scripture, prayer, and the practice of writing to heal her mind and become closer to God. Later in the episode, we’ll hear from Christian country music artist Brennley Brown . Raised in the high desert of...
Mar 20, 2025•28 min•Season 1Ep. 452
This week, we’ll hear from Jay Lowder , an evangelist who has spent more than two decades traveling the globe, sharing the message of the gospel with audiences ranging from NFL teams to prison inmates. Early in his life, Jay struggled with depression which led him to medicate with alcohol, but ultimately brought him no peace from his pain. Feeling like giving up, Jay considered suicide, and he shares about the series of events that led him to finally find the peace he was looking for. Later in t...
Mar 13, 2025•28 min•Season 1Ep. 451
This week, we’re joined by Ian Morgan Cron , who shares his deeply personal journey with the Enneagram , addiction, and faith. Ian recounts how a chance encounter with a book on the Enneagram during a retreat sparked a life-changing path of self-awareness, ultimately inspiring his book, The Road Back to You . Through his story, Ian challenges us to see addiction not simply as a problem to be solved, but as an opportunity to draw closer to God and experience true healing, which he shares about in...
Mar 06, 2025•30 min•Season 1Ep. 450
This week, we’re delighted to welcome back author and speaker Melanie Shankle . Through her reflections on overcoming a challenging childhood and breaking generational cycles of dysfunction, Melanie shares profound insights on motherhood, the power of faith, and how to turn painful histories into lasting legacies of hope and resilience. Later in the episode, we’ll hear from Lisa Steven , founder of Hope House Colorado , a nonprofit dedicated to uplifting and empowering teen moms. Lisa recounts h...
Feb 27, 2025•23 min•Season 1Ep. 449
On this episode of Jesus Listens: Stories of Prayer, we’ll hear from Bible teacher and author Rachel G. Scott. Rachel shares the five different types of leaps of faith she’s identified, and the truths we can hold onto during times of transition as we get to where we’re supposed to be. Guest’s Links Facebook: @iamrachelgscott Twitter: @iamrachelgscott Instagram: @iamrachelgscott Watch this interview on our YouTube channel! _______________________ Connect with Jesus Calling Instagram Facebook Twit...
Feb 25, 2025•7 min
*This content may be triggering for some listeners.* This week, we’ll hear from Steve Moore , a lifelong music industry professional whose career trajectory took a sharp turn after a life-changing trip to Guatemala. After a storied career managing legendary artists like Stevie Ray Vaughan and George Strait —and serving as CEO of the Country Music Association—a simple journey to help build a school became the spark for a deeper passion, one that led him to establish The Shalom Foundation and open...
Feb 20, 2025•26 min•Season 1Ep. 448
This week, we’ll hear from Johnny and Donnie Van Zant , brothers who share a rich legacy rooted in music, faith, and resilience. Renowned for their roles in the iconic bands Lynyrd Skynyrd and .38 Special , the Van Zant brothers reflect on their humble beginnings shaped by family and music, and how they faced personal and professional challenges, including the tragic plane crash that took the lives of several members of Lynyrd Skynyrd, including their brother, Ronnie Van Zant. Later in the episo...
Feb 13, 2025•23 min•Season 1Ep. 447
This week, we’re joined by Kent Chevalier and Johnny Shelton , two remarkable men who serve as NFL team chaplains, providing spiritual guidance, encouragement, and support to players, coaches, and their families. Kent serves with the Pittsburgh Steelers , while Johnny works with the Baltimore Ravens . They each offer a glimpse into the challenges NFL athletes face both on and off the field, and the transformative power of compassion and understanding in high-pressure spaces. Later in the episode...
Feb 06, 2025•28 min•Season 1Ep. 446
This week, we’re joined by Ken Abraham , a master storyteller known for his ability to capture the hearts and stories of some of the world's most notable figures, including Buzz Aldrin , Chuck Norris , Stephen Curtis Chapman , Payne Stewart , and many others. His latest book, No Address , highlights a deep empathy and commitment to honor the stories of those dealing with homelessness, and reminds us of the power of understanding in every person’s story—whether they are in the spotlight of fame, ...
Jan 30, 2025•31 min•Season 1Ep. 445
