In this encore of our first ever podcast episode, Susie Larson shares personal stories and practical encouragement from her Advent devotional Prepare Him Room, including how intentional practices like fasting can reorient our hearts during Advent, the importance of stewarding our perspective in a noisy culture, and how seasons of suffering and health challenges have shaped her understanding of what it means to truly prepare room for Jesus. With honesty, humor (including a memorable Christmas tree mishap), and hope, Susie offers a final word of encouragement for anyone longing to experience the deeper joy of Christmas—not by doing more, but by making room for the One who comes to meet us.
Stacey Thacker joins us to talk about her new book, Everyday Prayers for Christmas. Through simple, scripture-based prayers, Stacey invites readers and listeners alike to pause, reflect, and connect with God’s presence during a season that can feel both joyful and overwhelming.
Stacey also explores the stories of Zechariah and Elizabeth, the birth of Jesus, and the profound way waiting and faith intersect with prayer. Listeners will discover practical ways to pray with intention, let go of perfection, and experience the light and hope of Jesus in their own lives. Whether you’re looking for encouragement, guidance, or just a fresh perspective on the season, this conversation offers inspiration to bring prayer and reflection into your Christmas in a meaningful, everyday way.
Popular author Donna VanLiere joins us to share the heart behind her latest book, Looking for Christmas: A Search for the Joy and Hope of the Nativity. Donna brings her signature storytelling warmth as she reflects on how the original Christmas story still breaks into the ordinary moments of our lives, inviting us to look up and notice the hope God is offering right in front of us.
Through personal stories, rich insights, and a deep love for Scripture, Donna helps us rediscover the wonder of a God who comes close—especially in seasons that feel dark or overwhelming. If you need a fresh reminder of joy, or you’re longing to see Christmas with new eyes this year, this conversation will help you pause, breathe, and look for the Savior who still shows up.
Steven Curtis Chapman joins us for a rich, heartfelt walk through the stories behind The Music of Christmas—an album celebrating its 30th anniversary. Steven Curtis reflects on the impact of Show Hope’s 23-year journey, the miracle of watching nearly 10,000 children welcomed into families, and the deep reasons adoption remains central to his calling today.
The conversation also dives into the creation of his landmark Christmas record, from orchestras and choirs to family memories and the desire to make music that carried both nostalgia and the wonder of God stepping into our world.
But the heart of this conversation goes beyond music as Steven Curtis shares the layers of the Christmas story that have become more profound with time—especially after walking through deep grief—and the hope that continues to anchor him: that God truly is with us!
How do you keep worshiping when life doesn’t look like you hoped? In this episode, Jaime Jamgochian shares the story behind her new book and album, Sacred Surrender. From a life-changing encounter with Jesus in college to a long season of illness and waiting, Jaime opens up about learning to trust God’s heart when life takes unexpected turns. It’s an honest and hope-filled look at what happens when worship becomes surrender.
Dr. Lee Warren knows what it means to wrestle with pain and still choose hope. As a neurosurgeon, author, and follower of Jesus, he brings a rare blend of science, faith, and personal experience to help people navigate loss, anxiety, and life’s hardest seasons. In this conversation, Lee shares how we can train our minds toward peace, discover purpose in suffering, and find gratitude even when life feels broken.
Drawing from his books Hope Is the First Dose and The Life-Changing Art of Self-Brain Surgery, Dr. Warren helps us understand how faith and neuroscience work together to renew our minds. Whether you’re facing grief, walking with someone who is, or simply wanting to think more like Jesus, you’ll come away with practical wisdom and real hope for the days ahead.
Annie F. Downs brings her signature blend of joy and depth to this conversation—because when Annie talks about faith, it’s never dull. She shares stories of how God meets us in both the laughter and the loneliness, the beauty and the breaking. From her “That Sounds Fun” perspective, Annie reminds us that life with God isn’t just about surviving—it’s about noticing His goodness in every season, even the hard ones.
She opens up about singleness, creating safe spaces for honesty, and learning to give and rest with open hands. Whether she’s talking about her Single Purpose League community, her latest children’s book Where Did TJ Go?, or the ways God keeps surprising her, Annie invites us into a deeper trust — one that reminds us that every story, even the hard ones, can reveal His goodness.
Many people are surrounded by others yet still feel deeply alone. In this conversation, author and pastor Mike Novotny shares insights from his new book Lonely Less: 6 Steps to a Less Lonely Life. He unpacks the difference between being alone and feeling lonely, explores why loneliness has become such a defining struggle in today’s culture, and points to practical, biblical ways to experience meaningful connection again.
Through honest reflection and scriptural wisdom, Mike helps listeners see that God designed us for community — not just in crowded rooms, but in real, authentic relationships. He offers hope for those longing to feel known, seen, and valued, and encouragement for those who want to walk alongside others in their loneliness. This conversation is both deeply relatable and rich with truth for anyone longing to live a little less lonely.
October is Pastor Appreciation Month, and in this episode, we sit down with Pastor Tom Rempel to pull back the curtain on life in ministry. With decades of experience shepherding congregations, Tom shares candidly about the joys and challenges that come with being a pastor—and the impact those realities can have not only on the pastor but also on their family. He speaks to the unique weight of carrying others’ burdens, the pressure of constant availability, and how ministry life shapes rhythms of rest, marriage, and family.
Along the way, Pastor Tom also offers listeners a thoughtful perspective on what it looks like to truly support and encourage those who serve in the local church. From practicing patience and grace, to respecting boundaries, to remembering that pastors are people who need encouragement too, Tom provides both honesty and hope. Whether you’ve been in the pews for decades or are new to church life, this conversation is a valuable reminder of the humanity behind the pulpit and how we can walk alongside our leaders with love and understanding.
Madison Cain from the sibling band CAIN joins us for a fun and heartfelt conversation that spans music, family, and faith. She shares the heart behind their new tour and what it’s like to walk into a room where the whole crowd is dressed in the same color—instantly creating a sense of family. Madison talks about the group’s unique journey from leading worship at the church their dad pastored to stepping into country music, and eventually feeling called to go all-in for Jesus through Christian music. Along the way, she gives us a behind-the-scenes look at writing Jesus Lifted Me with Brooke Ligertwood, the unexpected rise of the kids’ version of I’m So Blessed, and how they weave fun, variety, and worship into every show.
Madison also opens up about a deeply difficult season for their family that inspired their song I Made It, and the stories of hope and redemption they’ve heard from listeners who are finding their way through hard times. She talks about the sibling bond that grounds their band, the musical influences that shaped them, and the heart behind their desire to build a tour culture that feels like “adult church camp.” It’s a conversation full of laughter, honesty, and encouragement, and a reminder of the way God can use our stories—both the joyful and the painful—to lift others up.
Back-to-school season can be a stressful transition for kids and parents alike, and routines play a key role in making that shift smoother. Licensed family counselor Joannie DeBrito draws from over 30 years of experience to share practical wisdom for families navigating the start of the school year. From re-establishing rhythms of sleep, meals, and self-care to limiting screen time and creating space for meaningful family conversations, Joannie explains how structure helps children thrive at every stage of life. She also highlights how parents can spot when struggles go beyond normal adjustment and where to turn for help.
In this conversation, Joannie offers age-specific insight—helping preschoolers through separation tears, guiding middle schoolers into new routines, and encouraging high school and college students to pace themselves instead of overloading with activities. She also emphasizes the value of unstructured time, learning to enjoy solitude, and modeling a balanced, faith-filled life at home. With practical ideas and spiritual grounding, Joannie provides encouragement for parents, grandparents, and caregivers who want to help kids settle into school while growing in resilience, balance, and faith.
Family conflict is something every household faces, but what if those difficult moments could actually become opportunities for growth, healing, and even a stronger legacy? In this episode, Bill High shares his deeply personal journey—from growing up in poverty, losing his father at 12, and witnessing the resilience of his Japanese war bride mother, to finding faith through a small-town church and children’s Bible storybook. Out of his own experiences of hardship and restoration, Bill discovered a passion for strengthening families and eventually founded Legacy Stone Advisors, a ministry committed to “resetting the theology of family around the globe.”
Bill unpacks his Family Conflict Blueprint, a practical, biblical framework designed to help families address conflict in ways that foster reconciliation instead of division. From creating a family code of conduct to understanding different conflict styles, Bill shows how courageous conversations, humility, and listening to understand can transform relationships. He also shares how these principles, when embraced by churches and communities, can ripple out to bring health and hope on a much larger scale. Whether you’re a parent, a spouse, or simply someone who longs for stronger connections, you’ll find both encouragement and practical wisdom in this conversation.
In today’s world, where the Bible is more accessible than ever, the idea of memorizing Scripture can feel unnecessary or outdated. In his book Remember the Words, Dakota Lynch challenges that perception by offering compelling reasons why committing God’s Word to memory is as relevant now as ever. Our guest serves as the executive director of Scripture Memory Fellowship.
Whether you’re someone who struggles with memorization or a seasoned veteran of Scripture memory, Dakota offers practical tips, encouragement, and inspiration to make this spiritual discipline a consistent and enjoyable part of your life.
Learn more about Dakota’s book here: https://scripturememory.com/remember
Join the MyBridge Radio challenge to Memorize ‘25 by committing to memorize 25 Bible passages in 2025: https://mybridgeradio.net/memorize/
In this insightful episode, Dr. Adam Rasmussen from the Cultural Research Center offers a compelling look at the spiritual landscape shaping America today. Drawing from rigorous research involving over 2,100 Americans, he reveals surprising openness to spiritual conversations—especially through trusted relationships—and highlights how many are wrestling with belief, doubt, and identity in a culture increasingly shaped by personal authority rather than biblical truth. Explaining the vital role Scripture plays in anchoring faith, he warns against spiritual drift caused by neglecting God’s Word.
Dr. Rasmussen also addresses challenges facing the church, including complacency and mission drift, while pointing to encouraging signs of revival among younger generations building their lives on biblical foundations. He shares practical wisdom on discipleship, mentorship, and relational evangelism, emphasizing the importance of returning to the core “seven cornerstones” of a biblical worldview.
In a cultural moment filled with confusion, Dr. Kathy Koch is encouraging parents to speak truth with compassion and confidence. In this episode, Kathy shares why she didn’t want to write Raising Gender-Confident Kids—and why the pain she experienced being misunderstood as a child helped confirm it was a book that needed to be written. With wisdom rooted in Genesis, Kathy reminds us that God did a good thing when He made us male and female, and that gender confidence begins with trusting His design. She also challenges the stereotypes that lead so many kids to question who they are based on interests, appearances, or activities.
From navigating tough conversations to knowing when a phone actually belongs in your child’s hand, Kathy offers practical guidance for parents raising kids in today’s tech-saturated, identity-shifting world. With humility and hope, she reminds us that kids don’t need perfect parents—they need present ones. If you’ve ever wrestled with how to respond to shifting gender norms or how to help your child navigate seasons of discomfort, this conversation will help you lean in with love, truth, and courage.
Mary Tutterow’s life was forever changed when her newborn daughter was sent home from the hospital to die. In that dark and desperate moment, she cried out to God—and He met her with peace, purpose, and a calling that would reshape everything. What began as a journey of personal suffering grew into a deep spiritual transformation and eventually blossomed into The Heart of the Caregiver, a ministry that helps others discover sacred purpose in the midst of life’s hardest assignments.
In this conversation, Mary shares how caregiving stripped away the life she once built—and helped her discover who she truly was. From hospital rooms to hard-won spiritual lessons, she invites listeners to rethink service, identity, and strength through the lens of the Gospel. Whether you’re caring for a loved one, walking through pain, or simply wondering how God works through weakness, this episode offers honest encouragement, hard-earned wisdom, and a powerful reminder that, even in the mess, God is present—and He is enough!
In this powerful conversation, author and speaker Amber Albee Swenson shares how the road to real confidence begins with admitting that we aren’t enough—but God is. Drawing from her own journey, Amber opens up about growing up under the prayers of a faithful grandfather, battling feelings of inadequacy as a mom and ministry leader, and learning to anchor her identity not in performance or comparison, but in the unshakable character of God. Her book, The Key to Confidence, offers hope for those tired of trying to measure up—and encouragement to trust the God who never fails.
Amber also shares what Scripture has taught her about saying yes—and no—with wisdom, releasing shame for good, and building the kind of confidence that flows from time with Jesus. She reminds us that prayer is less about getting what we want and more about staying close to the Father who knows what we need. Whether you’re feeling stuck, discouraged, or just exhausted, this conversation will offer both honesty and hope. You don’t have to be enough. He is. And He is with you.
For more information on her book, click here: https://a.co/d/bs9856S
Megan Woods may be a rising voice in Christian music, but her story is one of deep transformation and grounded faith. In this conversation, Megan shares about the struggles she faced with bullying, comparison, and the early days of social media—and how a quiet moment alone with her Bible at age 18 became the turning point. Since then, she’s gone from leading worship at her local church to writing songs that speak directly to identity and belonging, like her breakout single, The Truth.
Hear how God used an unexpected DM and a studio session with Matthew West to launch her music career—and how He continues to shape her heart for ministry today. Megan reflects on the importance of staying grounded, being vulnerable in songwriting, and viewing worship as something that extends into every part of life. Whether you're a music fan, a parent, or someone walking through your own season of identity questions, Megan’s story will remind you of the power of knowing whose you are.
Tauren Wells might be best known for his powerhouse vocals and chart-topping songs, but in this conversation, he shares what’s been stirring beneath the surface—stories of calling, surrender, and a deeper understanding of joy. From his early days leading youth worship in a church basement to launching a fast-growing new church near Austin, TX, Tauren reflects on the unexpected ways God has shaped his path. His new book, Joy Bomb: Unleash Jesus's Explosive Joy for an Extraordinary Life, draws from the Beatitudes to invite us into a kind of joy that’s not circumstantial—but deeply spiritual and transformational.
We talk with Tauren about why happiness and holiness were never meant to be separated, how our view of God shapes everything else, and what it means to rest in being loved by God—not just used by Him. Whether you’re navigating a full season, feeling weary from trying to measure up, or simply longing for more joy in your everyday life, Tauren’s words will point you to the Source that doesn’t run dry.
For more about Tauren’s new book: https://www.amazon.com/Joy-Bomb-Unleash-Explosive-Extraordinary/dp/0310368901
What do boys really need from their moms in the early years—and what happens if they don’t get it? In this episode, author and mom of six, Molly DeFrank, shares what she’s learning about raising emotionally durable, spiritually grounded boys in a world full of screens, distractions, and low expectations. Drawing from her latest book Mothering Boys, Molly encourages moms to reclaim the precious window of influence before their sons turn ten—to lay a foundation for faith, resilience, and character that lasts a lifetime.
With wisdom rooted in Scripture and honest empathy for the everyday challenges of parenting, Molly speaks directly to the weary mom who wonders if the little things she’s doing really matter. From emotional health to digital habits, masculinity to worldview formation, Molly reminds us that a mom’s intentional love and training can have a generational impact. If you're raising boys—or just need a reminder that your presence and purpose matter—this conversation is for you.
Learn more about Molly’s new book: https://www.amazon.com/Mothering-Boys-Things-Needs-before/dp/0764243683