The Influencers Podcast - podcast cover

The Influencers Podcast

Charisma Podcast Networkrss.com
Do you dream of ways to tangibly make the world around you better? Do you desire to be a person of courageous action?Join Dave Donaldson and Scott Young as they discuss stories and strategies with leaders, experts, and professionals from around the globe, who will help you uncover the keys to unlocking your full potential, empowering you to leave a legacy of change through kindness and compassion from your neighborhood to the nations.Dave Donaldson is an author, international speaker, and veteran of Washington, DC, and co-founder of Convoy of Hope and CityServe International. Scott Young is an expert communicator with an extensive broadcasting background and global speaking platform. He currently serves as the lead pastor of Church of Hope in Sarasota, Florida as well as a board member on CityServe International.

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Episodes

Willie Robertson and CityServe Team Minister to Ukrainian Pastors (133)

What do 30 hours on a bus, 400 pastors, and a duck call have in common? Willie Robertson from Duck Dynasty fame is happy to explain. The New York Times best-selling author, along with his COO, Jeffrey Kent, and the City Serve team journeyed to war-ravaged Ukraine. First, came the bus ride, then a pastoral conference with four hundred who safely traveled from their regions to meet with Robertson, share their hearts, and encourage each other. Praying over those Ukrainian pastors, as they, in turn,...

Sep 05, 202315 min

A Maui Wildfire Survivor's Story: Pastor Keahi and Beauty from Ashes (132)

What do you share when you have nothing? Pastor Kawi Keahi, one of many Maui wildfire victims lost almost everything. His church was reduced to ashes, and he now owns a house of rubble. Yet this husband and father of two who barely escaped with his family is bringing hope and healing to his community. Working with King’s Cathedral, which opened its doors to provide his family and others safety, they share meals, necessities, and comfort with the suffering. So how do you share when you have nothi...

Aug 22, 202326 min

What to do When People Give You the Creeps (131)

Have you ever had an unsettling feeling about someone? Did it make you anxious? Dr. Wendy Patrick, a career Prosecuting Attorney with degrees in Psychology, Divinity, and a Doctorate in Theology, shares why you get those feelings. Author and media commentator, her most recent book, Why Bad Looks Good , reveals some of the insight and wisdom that has made her a valued source for outlets such as Fox News, Fox Business, CNN, and Inside Edition . She credits the Bible for her wisdom, and strips away...

Aug 08, 202330 min

Does the Devil Have a Discipleship Program? (130)

How do you shepherd those being discipled by social media? Chris Martin is a social media expert, raised by an Internet pioneer. Consultant and author of The Wolf in Their Pockets : 13 Ways the Social Internet Threatens the People You Lead, Martin noticed that what was trending wasn’t only gossip and conspiracy, but a destructive worldview. Personal time for God, and for the body of Christ was eclipsed by enticement of the salacious, curious, and shocking. Martin reveals how our convenient techn...

Jul 18, 202329 min

Kevin Sorbo: Legendary Hercules is Canceled for Christ (129)

What happens when an influencer is canceled and silenced in a world of technological communication? Actor, author, director, and producer, Kevin Sorbo has fought for his right to speak, both physically and on the world stage. Suffering four strokes while shooting television hit, Hercules: The Legendary Journeys , Sorbo had to relearn how to talk and walk. It took incredible effort, yet after pushing through, Sorbo’s “comeback” was “canceled.” Openly sharing his faith, Hollywood and social media ...

Jul 04, 202334 min

Healing and Hope for America (128)

Is there hope for America? Author of the book, Toward a More Perfect Union, Tim Goeglein’s resume reads like a Who’s Who in American Politics and Faith. His position in the White House, work with presidents, comprehension of political architecture, and appreciation for American history make him a fascinating and influential man. In the cultural trenches, Goeglein understands the constitutional, cultural, and historic illiteracy that plagues our United States, recognizing that “united” seems to b...

Jun 20, 202332 min

Pornography: A Moral Dilemma, Sin Problem or Psychological Addiction? (127)

Is happiness possible in a marriage when there has been pornography and broken trust? Dannah Gresh has personal insight on the topic of “Happily Even After.” Married 33 years, this bestselling author and podcast co-host spent 30 years studying sexual theology and sexual social science, but academia could not prepare her for discovering that her husband had relapsed into his decades-old pornography addiction. For Gresh and her husband, the process of forgiveness and recovery was fraught with fail...

Jun 06, 202337 min

God, the Big House, and the Warehouse (126)

Ever heard the phrase, Sometimes the hardest part to starting something new is showing up ? Tony Phillips is a guy who showed up. A businessman between jobs, it was a need for volunteer help that captured Phillips’ attention. His love for people drew him to a community ministry ' that supports young kids. Even when his new job made volunteering difficult, he persevered, staying connected, showing up, loving those kids, and being ready to do whatever was needed because he knew God had a plan. Tha...

May 23, 202323 min

Military Spouses Living the Great Commission with a Bible and Coffee Pot (125)

A pot of coffee, a Facebook post, and a bulky Bible--how a movement started with military spouses. Megan B. Brown, a seasoned military spouse, bible teacher, and military missionary explains living out the Great Commission. As an atheist married to a military man, God gently led Brown to Himself, but growing in Christ was challenging. She found it hard to “fit in” at church, and not knowing how to pray or understand scripture made for a very lonely time. Yet through her isolation, she found a Je...

May 09, 202335 min

Dr. Gary Chapman: Author of “The 5 Love Languages” Shares His Story (124)

Ever wonder why it is so hard to get along with someone you love? Dr. Gary Chapman, author of the New York Times Best Seller, The 5 Love Languages , is a speaker, counselor, and syndicated radio host. The early years of his marriage brought conflict that led to the discovery that God had a different idea about love than he did. Through those difficulties God revealed to him that love is not based on a feeling; it begins with an attitude that is followed by appropriate behavior. Understanding ano...

May 02, 202341 min

Victim or Vessel: How to Respond to a Challenge (123)

Challenges. We all have them, but what do you do when your challenge is beyond your control? Radio and TV personality, reporter, pastor, missionary, and motivational speaker, Steve Kramer knows what it’s like to live with challenges and the desire to be more than what others expect. Born prematurely and barely breathing, doctors had no hope for Kramer who they later diagnosed with cerebral palsy. Despite his disabilities, Kramer’s parents sought to give him the most normal childhood experiences ...

Apr 18, 202326 min

Matt Redman on the Life Behind a Heart of Worship (122)

Have you ever been overcome by strong emotions while singing a worship song? How does the writer of “Coming Back to the Heart of Worship”, “Blessed Be Your Name”, “Our God” and “10,000 Promises” capture the longings of so many different hearts? Songwriter, Author, and Grammy Award-Winning Worship Leader, Matt Redman answers those questions and more. A turbulent childhood led him to accept Jesus Christ at a young age and writing and singing songs became a stabilizing factor that helped him keep h...

Apr 04, 202337 min

An MIT Engineer Learns Success Begins With Surrender (121)

Can God use an introvert to change lives? Don Schoendorfer, author, MIT engineer, Ph.D., and successful inventor, experienced great professional success, but it took a personal crisis to expose his shortcomings. When skill and mathematics failed him, Schoendorfer had an encounter with God that helped him begin to understand what it meant to live a surrendered life. He confronted a 50-year struggle with finding purpose and revisited restless impressions God had placed upon his heart. From this wa...

Mar 21, 202325 min

The Secret to Maximize Life’s Pleasures (120)

Would you rather look at a great design or spend personal time with the Creator? Steve DeWitt, pastor of 30 years, podcast host, and author shares how beauty creates wonder in us, sparks joy, and ultimately is meant to lead us back to the One who delights in sharing Himself. He believes as image bearers of Christ, we are created to respond to beauty, and as Christians, we are called to take that response and turn it into worship and thankfulness. DeWitt points out that we often miss out on beaut...

Mar 07, 202326 min

A Border Crisis, Orphaned Children, Brokenness and Desperation, What Can God's Church Do? (119)

Be it the concerns at the Mexican border, orphaned little ones and widowed women of Ukraine, or the reversal of Roe v. Wade , there is one constant: brokenness. Scripture says, “As you have done unto the least of these, you have done unto me.” (Matt. 25:40) But what can be done, and how can we do it? America has long been the city on the hill, saving and intervening for those mistreated, yet every day the needs within our own communities threaten our hope. Do we get lost in the brokenness or is ...

Feb 21, 202320 min

Russia-Ukraine War: Gut-Wrenching Terror vs. the Mighty Hand of God (118)

What you have heard or seen in the media is not the full story. If you are fatigued by the constant reports of the attacks, casualties and destruction suffered by those in Ukraine, we have good news for you. There is an exciting movement gaining ground in the war-ravaged region. Spearheaded by Christian organizations such as CityServe International in partnership with churches in the US and Eastern Europe, the local church has become the hands and feet of God to those in need in Ukraine, neighbo...

Feb 07, 202322 min

Skip Vaccarello on “Finding God in Silicon Valley” (117)

If you had it to do all over again, what would you do differently for the Kingdom in work and business? Skip Vaccarello, a Partner with 1Flourish Capital , a faith-based venture capital firm investing in technology-based, start-up companies, answers this question and more about living and working in Silicon Valley. Vaccarello shares his belief that there is a move of God taking place in Silicon Valley and retells stories of people whose lives have been transformed by the gospel. As an industry l...

Jan 24, 202331 min

Why We Must Know the Difference Between Success and True Significance (116)

Do thoughts of your past fill you with regret or thankfulness? Aaron Tredway, pastor, author, speaker, athlete, and coach, reveals that we often feel dissatisfied because we’re aimed at the wrong target: success. As Christians, many of us say we are pursuing "something more," but we get stuck chasing our idea of success instead of true significance. Tredway reminds us we don’t have to be rich or famous to lead a life of meaning in God’s Kingdom. He shares the secret to true significance and invi...

Jan 10, 202325 min

The Future of the Local Church: A CityServe Recap (115)

As New Year's Eve approaches and resolutions are made, it's important to remember that reflection builds anticipation. On the surface, 2022 can look like a difficult year with the war in Ukraine, natural disasters, and national division. But, this doesn't account for the amazing stories of God's healing and provision through the local Church. Something the news isn't talking about. Dave Donaldson and Wendell Vision, co-founders of CityServe International join Scott Young to discuss the past year...

Dec 27, 202223 min

Widow and Single Mom Shares About the "Gift" that Got Her Through an Unexpected Tragedy (114)

Paige McMahon unexpectedly became a widow and single mom of three when her husband died in a plane crash. McMahon recalls how life was hazy in the early days and the weight of grief was unbearable as she wrestled with her faith and struggled to get through each day. But, out of her horrific experience, she has been able to help others walking through tragedy by sharing the "gift" that made all the difference. McMahon compels those struggling to process their grief to practice something she learn...

Dec 13, 202232 min

Hobby Lobby Founder, David Green, Reveals the Unconventional Leadership Principles that Led to the Company's Success (113)

How did one couple go from creating picture frames in their garage to becoming the leaders of one of the largest chain stores in America? Hobby Lobby has over 900 stores in 48 states and CEO, David Green, along with Bill High, founder of The Signatry, discuss the unconventional principles leaders can apply to their business, church, or nonprofit. Green offers insight into the “secret sauce” of their company and breaks down the reason behind their people-centered practices and large charitable gi...

Dec 06, 202239 min

Help Your Kids Unwrap the True Meaning of Christmas (112)

How do you think your kids would describe the Christmas season? Would their minds immediately go to gifts, food, and family quarrels? Or would they express a genuine understanding and connection to the story of Jesus? Our guest helps make the latter possible. Asheritah Ciuciu, bestselling author, national speaker, and host of the Prayers of REST podcast, joins guest cohost Crissy Cochran to talk about how we can encounter Jesus through creative spiritual habits, connect to our children’s hearts ...

Nov 29, 202228 min

Should More Christians Run for Office? (111)

How did you feel about how the midterm election went? Faith-filled Americans are needed in our government now more than ever, but why aren't more running for local, state, and federal offices? Terri Hasdorff, author, speaker, consultant, and former congressional candidate, works at the intersection of faith and politics and provides an insider’s perspective on why more Christians are needed in politics. She reveals why American Christians are often hesitant to participate in government, why it’s...

Nov 15, 202225 min

Breaking Down Toxic Christian Culture with Humor (110)

Is being a "serious" person just a cover? Barnabas Piper, assistant pastor of Immanuel Church of Nashville and cohost of the popular Happy Rant podcast, shares good-natured takedowns of trends and traditions in the church. Piper takes Christian culture and examines and critiques it using humor that causes us to laugh and encourages us to not take ourselves so seriously. He reminds us that joy and laughter go hand-in-hand and attract people to the Kingdom of God, and observes that people often ta...

Nov 09, 202227 min

How Are You Voting this Midterm Election? (109)

Are you feeling anxious about this midterm election? Both sides of the aisle, Republicans and Democrats, have been very vocal about all that's at stake on November 8th, 2022. This midterm feels unique coming on the heels of so many important and divisive issues: COVID-19, lockdowns, mandates, Roe v. Wade, Ukraine, and rising inflation to name a few. While some look to this midterm as the chance for political salvation, since control of congress and senate majority are up for grabs, what should b...

Nov 04, 202212 min

Jerry Jenkins, NYT Bestselling Author, Shares the Surprising Advice that Launched His Career and Calling (108)

Have you ever questioned if your current career path will take you to your ultimate calling and purpose? Jerry Jenkins, author of more than 200 books, 21 NYT Bestsellers, and more than 72 million in cumulative sales, shares the memorable advice he was given as a young man questioning the direction of his life, advice that ultimately led him to a career that spans decades and one beyond his wildest expectations. Sharing stories of some of the memorable people (Billy Graham, Tim LaHaye, Hank Aaron...

Oct 25, 202232 min

Blake Guichet, from Confessions of a Crappy Christian Podcast, Opens Up About Mental Health, Overcoming Hustle Culture, and Life-Changing Grace (107)

As a Christian, do you struggle to talk about the real, hard stuff in life? Blake Guichet, writer and founder of the Crappy Christian Co., and host of the popular podcast Confessions of a Crappy Christian joins Scott Young to talk about why we need to be transparent in the current culture. Guichet believes religious mindsets, fear, or shame are often why we avoid difficult conversations. In those moments she encourages us to give people the gift of going first, to share our lives to help them fe...

Oct 18, 202225 min

Hurricane Ian: How the Church is Responding (106)

Hurricane Ian was one of the deadliest storms to hit the United States this century. The storm's aftermath left thousands in Florida homeless, without power or fresh water, and reeling from loss. Hear from Todd Lamphere, VP of Government Relations with CityServe, and Tamryn Foley, Special Assistant to the CEO & Strategic Partnerships with CityServe, as they provide firsthand reports and share stories emerging from the disaster areas. CityServe team members were able to be on the ground befor...

Oct 11, 202228 min

CityServe Provides New Housing for Refugee Families Returning to War-torn Ukraine, Pt. 2 (105)

As the war in Ukraine continues, many families are returning to their homes only to find complete devastation. Dave Donaldson, co-host and co-founder of CityServe International, and Wendell Vinson, pastor, and co-founder of CityServe International join Scott Young to share how CityServe is making a difference on the frontlines through housing, food, and other vital needs. Hear from one family about their harrowing escape and why they decided to return once it was safe, and a UN report on the dan...

Oct 04, 202226 min

Michael W. Smith, Award-Winning Music Artist, Shares About His Song for Ukraine and CityServe Brings More Stories from the Frontlines, Pt. 1 (104)

As the war in Ukraine continues, more people of influence are raising their voices to bring awareness and support to refugees. Dave Donaldson, co-host and co-founder of CityServe International, and Wendell Vinson, pastor, and co-founder of CityServe International join Scott Young to share incredible survivor stories from Ukraine and neighboring countries and how families are coping and rebuilding their lives. Listen as award-winning recording artist Michael W. Smith shares his heart behind the n...

Sep 27, 202219 min
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