Jesus Calling: Stories of Faith

This week, we hear from legendary husband and wife songwriting team Bill and Gloria Gaither, who went from teaching school in a small Indiana town to writing some of the most sung hymns and songs in the modern church, including “Because He Lives” and “He Touched Me.” They’ll talk about the lessons they’ve learned about failure, success, and how one of their most famous songs came from a time when...

From his roots in Virginia to decades with the Statler Brothers and beyond, Jimmy Fortune has walked through seasons of success, heartache, and loss. In this episode of Jesus Listens: Stories of Prayer, Jimmy shares how a praying mother and a Bible left open in a hotel room kept him seeking God, and why he continues to hold on to hope through every note and every trial.

Guest’s LinksFacebook: @JimmyFortuneMusic

Instagram: @j...

Best known for his role as Brick Heck on the hit NBC show The Middle, actor and YouTuber Atticus Shaffer shares the profound lessons learned from living with the chronic pain and the medical challenges of osteogenesis imperfecta. He also reflects on his moving caretaking journey, discussing the role reversal of supporting his mother through her own health struggles and how their shared hardships deepened his capacity for compassion...

This week, we hear from first-round NFL draft pick and former Cincinnati Bengals player David Pollack, whose career was cut short by a devastating neck injury. David shares the heartbreak of a dream lost and the strength he drew from that time years later, as he watched his wife face a brain cancer diagnosis.

Next, we’ll hear from physicist and author Dr. Brian Miller. While studying at MIT, Brian found his faith challenged b...

Welcome to a special scripture-focused bonus episode of the Jesus Calling Podcast, where pastor Matt Whitman helps us explore the book of Matthew, spanning its genealogy, the Sermon on the Mount, and Jesus’ crucifixion and resurrection. By examining Jesus’ ministry and life as a fulfilled prophecy, the episode reveals the foundations of Christianity and the hope found in realizing our place in the narrative.

Links, Pro...

*This episode contains content that may be triggering for some listeners.*

This week, as the country remembers the twenty-fifth anniversary of 9/11, we’re talking with Darin Kinder, a retired Secret Service agent who survived the September 11th attacks and was later awarded a Medal of Valor for his actions that day. Kinder recounts the chaos of that morning, from treating the wounded on the street to making the choice to go b...

We’re joined by author and counselor Chuck DeGroat, who explores the profound invitation of the second half of life—a season where we are called to move beyond the “proving and performing” of our younger years. Chuck shares why this transition calls us to detangle our identities and embrace a slower, “non-microwavable” path to healing. He explains how cultivating spaces of safety and reconnection...

This week, we’ll hear from Megan Piphus, a puppeteer and ventriloquist known for playing Gabrielle on Sesame Street. She’ll share how a childhood spent in her father’s church led her to an opportunity at the Jim Henson Company and how she’s since used puppetry to teach kids about God’s love. You’ll also meet her puppet, June Bug, who occasionally jumps in to help tell the story.

Next, we’ll...

Join us for an inspiring conversation with Hallmark Channel star Jen Lilley as offers a deeply personal account of her 15-year journey with bulimia and moving forward toward recovery and freedom. She also gives a look at her new book, Wake Up Your Faith, encouraging listeners to overhaul their spiritual life by approaching it with a sense of adventure.

Guest’s LinksYouTube: @TheJenlilley
Facebook: @jenlilleyofficial

Insta...

Today, we’re joined by Coby and Cory Cotton of Dude Perfect, who share how a simple idea filmed in a backyard with friends grew into videos watched by millions around the world on YouTube. They reflect on the early days of creating trick shots just for fun, the challenges that came with unexpected success, and a medical emergency that reminded them to slow down and make room for what matters most.

Next, we hear from author an...

Welcome to a special scripture-focused bonus episode of the Jesus Calling Podcast, where we examine the stories and roles of mothers in the Bible with author and host of the Old Ladies Know Stuff podcast Rhonda Stoppe. Rhonda walks us through the lives of women in the Bible like Naomi, Eunice the mother of Timothy, Mary, Rahab, the woman at the well, Herodias, and more. Rhonda shows us what we can learn from Biblical mothers that c...

Joining us this week is worship leader turned viral comedian Heather Land. After growing up in the shadow of her mother’s decades-long addiction, Heather reflects on how this painful season—alongside her unexpected shift from the worship stage to the world of comedy—taught her that while our paths may take unforeseen turns, our core calling to encourage and uplift others remains constant.

Later in the episode, we&...

*This episode contains content that may be triggering for some listeners.* 

Today we’re joined by author and speaker Sarah Jakes Roberts, who invites us to rethink what true strength looks like—shifting from building a tolerance for the world’s noise to finding stillness in our calling. From stepping back from social media to anchoring identity in daily prayer, Sarah shares the liberating truth she discovered...

This week, we’ll hear from Butch Hartman, the animator and creator behind Nickelodeon’s biggest shows, including The Fairly OddParents and Danny Phantom. Butch grew up in a chaotic household in Michigan, where television and comic books served as his primary escape. This early passion eventually led him to California’s top animation school and then to a long career at Nickelodeon. Today, we’ll hear why he wa...

In this deeply honest conversation, Erin Kerry opens up about living with PTSD, depression, and bipolar disorder—and the labels that once defined her. As a nutritionist and health coach, Erin shares how she moved from shame and self-limiting beliefs to a place of healing, hope, and wholeness. 

Guest’s LinksYouTube: @erinbkerry
Facebook: @ErinBKerry

Instagram: @sparkingwholeness

Watch this interview on our YouTu...

Dr. Jim Burns, founder of HomeWord, returns to the Jesus Calling Podcast to discuss how parents can navigate the heartbreak of estrangement with their adult children. He offers advice on avoiding self-blame, communicating without unsolicited criticism, and prioritizing healthy boundaries.

Later, neuroscientist Dr. Joshua W. Brown shares how a terminal brain tumor diagnosis at age thirty sparked his interest in investigating how fai...

Today, we’re joined by two people who found their way through the wreckage of their pasts to build something new. First, we hear from Tom Hardin. A former Wall Street insider trader, Tom saw his entire world unravel the morning the FBI knocked on his door. He joins us to share how he moved from a double life of secrets to finding a faith that finally holds up on Monday mornings.

Then, we’re joined by Dawn Cazedessus [CA...

Welcome to a special scripture-focused bonus episode of the Jesus Calling Podcast, where we think about the concept of the Trinity—the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit—and what their presence and purpose means to each of our individual lives. Pastor, author, and speaker Timothy Jones helps us contemplate this relational view, and how the communing of God, Jesus, and the Holy Spirit brings a new level of intimac...

This week, we hear from Jameson and Mary Reeder, authors of Rescue at the Reef. They share the miraculous story of their ten-year-old son, Jameson Jr., who narrowly survived a devastating bull shark attack in the Florida Keys. Despite a life-altering injury, Jameson Jr.’s faith remained unshaken, and just four days later, he asked to return to the reef.

Later in the episode, we hear from Greta Eskridge, author and homeschool ...