In this deeply honest and Spirit-led conversation, Avery Lofton joins the Rooted in Christ Podcast to share her journey through marriage, motherhood, creativity, and unwavering faith in Jesus. From navigating the early sanctification of marriage to learning how to steward calling, family, and creativity without losing peace at home, Avery offers wisdom shaped by real life—not theory.
Avery opens up about marrying well, the importance of pre-marital counsel, and how God uses marriage and parenting to expose, refine, and grow us. She also shares her powerful testimony of coming to Christ at 19, overcoming fear and insecurity, and learning how obedience—not comfort—shaped her calling in music and ministry.
This episode dives into the tension many creatives feel: pursuing excellence without making the gift an idol, staying present with family while stewarding influence, and remaining faithful when criticism comes from inside the Christian space. Through it all, Avery reminds us that our testimony is never redundant—there’s always someone who hasn’t heard it yet.
In this episode, you’ll hear about:
What it really means to marry well and be equally yoked
Navigating early marriage frustration with grace and endurance
Motherhood, sacrifice, and finding rhythm as a family
Creativity, Christian artistry, and doing things with excellence—without distraction
Avery’s faith journey and overcoming fear through prayer
Why your testimony still matters, even if you’ve told it before
Whether you’re married, single, creative, or simply seeking to stay rooted in Christ in every season, this episode will encourage, challenge, and remind you to keep Jesus at the center of it all.
In this powerful and deeply moving episode of the Rooted in Christ Podcast, Eric Stephens sits down with Mick Wienholt to share a testimony shaped by unimaginable loss, raw grief, and God’s relentless pursuit.
Mick opens up about the tragic stillbirth of his firstborn son, Luke—a moment that shattered his world and forced him to confront a truth he could no longer avoid: what he thought was a Luke-shaped hole in his heart was actually a God-shaped one. Raised around Christianity but without a real relationship with Jesus, Mick describes how that moment of desperation on a hospital floor became the beginning of true surrender.
Through honest storytelling, Mick walks us through:
Crying out to God for the first time in genuine desperation
How grief became the doorway to real prayer and authentic faith
The transformation of his marriage, priorities, and daily life
Learning to trust God’s plan after loss, miscarriage, and high-risk pregnancies
The difference between believing about God and living in obedience to Him
This episode dives deep into themes of suffering, obedience, surrender, and redemption—reminding us that Jesus meets us not after the mess is cleaned up, but right in the middle of it.
Content Warning: This episode contains discussion of stillbirth, miscarriage, and grief.
Part 2 is coming, where Mick will share even more about God’s miraculous protection over his life and the calling that followed.
If you’ve ever questioned God in pain, struggled with control, or wondered if He can redeem your darkest moments—this conversation is for you.
In this powerful episode, Eric Stephens sits down with Detroit artists Kemara Lynn and Jaygo Beezy for an honest conversation on faith, music, purpose, and perseverance. Both artists share their personal journeys to Christ — from seasons of depression, identity struggles, and backsliding to radical encounters with God that transformed their lives.
The discussion dives deep into: • Surrendering talent, ambition, and creativity to Christ • Staying rooted in prayer, accountability, and consecration • Detroit’s influence on their artistry and mindset • The mission behind their faith-driven music • Maintaining humility, focus, and integrity in the music industry • Kemara Lynn’s new release “Apply Pressure”— birthed from a season of intense spiritual, emotional, and physical pressure • The I Believe Experience, a growing movement empowering Christian creatives and athletes
If you’re an artist, athlete, believer, or someone seeking encouragement, this episode is packed with testimony, transparency, and truth.
Subscribe for more Christ-centered conversations that challenge, uplift, and inspire.
In this moving episode of the Rooted in Christ Podcast, Eric Stephens sits down with bestselling Christian author and Stanford-trained lawyer Lara Silverman to share her extraordinary testimony of suffering, faith, and hope.
Lara opens up about her rare neurological illness that left her bedridden, the collapse of her legal career, and the heartbreaking loss of her husband Matt. Yet through every fire, she witnessed God’s presence, joy, and unexpected redemption.
She also talks about her #1 bestselling memoir, Singing Through Fire, where she blends testimony, humor, music, and raw honesty to help believers navigate grief and deepen their trust in God.
If you’ve ever wrestled with unanswered prayers, loss, or the question of how God can still be good in pain, Lara’s story will encourage you deeply.
On this episode of the Rooted in Christ Podcast, Brenno returns for Round 3 with one of our most transparent and spiritually rich conversations yet. We dive deep into his testimony, the importance of the secret place, godly discipline, navigating platform pressure, and how God continues to shape his character, music, and calling.
Brenno also shares new updates about his debut album, "VIDA," fatherhood, marriage, creative balance, and what it truly means to follow Jesus with integrity in the spotlight.
Whether you're an artist, believer, or someone walking through a season of waiting, this episode will speak to you.
Connect with Brenno here: https://www.instagram.com/brenno.music/
In this powerful conversation, Eric sits down with Yung Kriss, one of the leading voices shaping the Christian R&B movement. From personal testimony to industry insight, Kriss opens up about the challenges, victories, and spiritual battles behind the music that’s impacting lives around the world.
Together, they dive deep into:
• The explosive growth of Christian R&B and why it’s becoming a global movement
• The behind-the-scenes story of HBO Fest — the first Christian R&B festival that sold out beyond capacity
• Lives changed, altars filled, and the spiritual impact of in-person ministry
• The pressure Christian artists face to stay authentic in a culture of comparison and criticism
• Balancing creativity, calling, and conviction in an industry under the microscope
• What it means to serve, stay humble, and keep Jesus at the center—no matter the platform
• How Christians can create modern-sounding music without compromise
• Real talk about collaboration, ministry in secular spaces, and being a light outside church walls
This episode is full of honesty, testimony, and wisdom for artists, believers, and anyone navigating their faith in today’s culture.
Follow Yung Kriss:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/yungkriss/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/YungKrissMusic/
Website: https://www.yungkriss.com/
In this powerful episode of the Rooted in Christ Podcast, host Eric Stephens sits down with worship leader, missionary, and speaker Rodrick Wilson to discuss his incredible journey of faith, healing, and purpose.
From growing up in the church to discovering his calling as a worship leader and missionary, Rod shares how God used seasons of brokenness to reveal his true purpose. He opens up about his song “Yahweh,” his mission work in Peru, the importance of prayer and fasting, and how staying rooted in God’s presence transformed his life.
This episode is filled with encouragement for anyone who feels lost, abandoned, or unsure of their purpose. Rod’s story reminds us that when you trust God fully, He’ll never fail you.
Key Topics:
Stay connected with Rooted in Christ Podcast and Redwood Christian Ministries for more faith-filled stories and testimonies that glorify Jesus.
In this powerful episode of the Rooted in Christ Podcast, host Eric Stephens sits down with Dr. Laurette Willis, founder of Weight Loss Without Willpower and PraiseMoves Fitness Ministry.
Dr. Laurette shares her remarkable journey — from emotional eating at age six and two decades in the New Age movement, to a life transformed by Jesus Christ. Now a Cognitive Behavioral Therapist and Christian Weight Loss Coach, she helps women renew their minds on God’s Word and retrain their brains with biblical principles rooted in neuroscience.
Discover how Dr. Laurette overcame addiction, emotional struggles, and deception to live a life of spiritual and physical freedom. She also shares practical tools for:
Renewing the mind and retraining the brain through Scripture
Inviting God into your health journey
Developing daily habits to become “Healthy, Fit, and Free”
Finding peace and identity in Christ
✨ Free Resources Mentioned:
PraiseMoves.com – The Christian alternative to yoga
ChristianWeightLossKit.com – Free guide + video
ChristianMeditationKit.com – Learn biblical meditation
📖 “God has chosen the foolish things of the world (like me) to confound the wise… Without Him, we can do nothing. But with Him, all things are possible.” — Dr. Laurette Willis
🎧 Listen, subscribe, and share to encourage others to live renewed in Christ.
In this powerful episode, Eric Stephens welcomes back returning guest Taylor Johnson for an honest conversation about moving from a lukewarm faith to a bold, all-in relationship with Jesus.
Taylor shares her personal journey of breaking free from self-preservation, fear of rejection, and spiritual complacency to walk confidently in her God-given purpose. Together, she and Eric discuss what it means to truly trust God, live out the Word, and keep your fire burning through daily surrender and obedience.
From reflections on Revelation 3 to stories of faith, humility, and revival, this episode will challenge and encourage every believer to go deeper, let go of idols, and live a life fully aligned with Christ.
🎙️ Topics Include:
The danger of being a “lukewarm” Christian
Overcoming pride and fear in your walk with God
Building consistency in prayer and the Word
The importance of accountability and community
Revival, repentance, and reigniting your faith
🔥 “He’s chosen you for such a time as this.”
In this powerful conversation, host Eric Stephens sits down with DFG Sul, an artist and servant of God whose music and testimony reflect a deep walk of faith, purpose, and perseverance. From growing up in the church to navigating the tension between worldly success and spiritual obedience, Sul opens up about his journey of returning to his calling—creating music that glorifies God and reaches hearts across generations.
He shares lessons on staying grounded in faith, guarding what we let into our spirit, and keeping God at the center of creativity, family, and daily life. Sul also speaks on his new album Walking with Purpose, a three-year project born out of surrender and spiritual growth.
If you’ve ever wrestled with your purpose, struggled to balance faith and ambition, or needed a reminder that love and obedience are the real measures of success, this episode is for you.
In this episode of the Road in Christ Podcast, Eric sits down with Lil G Fresh, Cleveland artist whose journey from freestyling in her basement at 11 to creating Christ-centered music is nothing short of inspiring.
Lil G shares how the Holy Spirit transformed her life at 18, shifting her focus from secular hip hop to spreading the gospel through her lyrics. Now balancing her role as a communications specialist at NASA with her passion for music, she opens up about staying grounded in faith, creating independently, and using her platform to reflect God’s love.
Topics Covered:
Lil G Fresh’s testimony and spiritual awakening
The influence of music on faith and mindset
Transitioning from secular to Christian hip hop
Balancing a professional career and creative calling
Advice for young artists walking with Christ
“Keep God at the center of everything you do — with Him, nothing can stop you.” — Lil G Fresh
Connect with Lil G Fresh:
https://www.instagram.com/little.g.fresh/
In this powerful episode, host Eric Stephens sits down with Brian “OB” —artist, pastor, and founder of Holy Hip Hop Nation and The Light Club—for an unforgettable conversation on redemption, purpose, and divine connection.
Brian shares his raw testimony growing up in East Cleveland, surviving violence and addiction, and finding new life through Christ. Together, he and Eric dive deep into:
The difference between seasonal and destiny partners
How obedience, not perfection, unlocks your calling
The birth of Holy Hip Hop Nation and The Light Club
The power of collaboration and kingdom partnerships
Why your purpose is voice-activated through faith and confession
This episode is a reminder that God’s design is always greater than our plans—and that your past can’t cancel your purpose.
Rooted in Christ Podcast – Ep. 162: Laurie Herbers
In this episode, we welcome back Laurie Herbers, author, coach, and passionate follower of Christ. Laurie opens up about her journey through darkness, how God used those valley moments to prepare her for ministry, and the powerful revelation behind helping others get “out of the pit.”
From overcoming lies of the enemy to embracing our divine identity in Christ, this conversation is full of encouragement, practical wisdom, and Spirit-led truth.
Topics we cover:
Finding hope in the pit
Recognizing God’s voice vs. lies of the enemy
Breaking free from spiritual bondage
The importance of sowing and reaping
Choosing forgiveness before the offense
In this episode, host Eric Stephens sits down with Ondrea Lynn, who shares her powerful testimony of leaving 30 years of New Age and occult practices to fully surrender her life to Jesus Christ.
Ondrea opens up about her childhood trauma, her journey through the performing arts and fitness industries, and how seeking healing in all the wrong places led her deeper into deception—until a radical encounter with Jesus changed everything.
Today, Ondrea helps Christian women reclaim their health and identity through Christ-centered weight loss, healing, and deliverance.
Connect with Ondrea Lynn:
Website: https://ondrealynn.com
Free Gift for Women: ondrealynn.com/win
Podcast: Christian Women’s Weight Loss Podcast – available on Apple, Spotify, and all platforms
In this powerful episode of the Rooted in Christ Podcast, host Eric Stephens sits down with newly married artist and DJ Bank Shaq to talk about faith, music, and the transformative power of Christ. From his journey as one of Cleveland’s top DJs to finding true purpose in Christ, Bank Shaq shares his testimony of leaving behind success in the secular world for a life devoted to ministry and Christian hip hop.
The conversation dives deep into:
How music shapes our spirit and culture
The importance of Christian hip hop for both new believers and seasoned Christians
Why discipleship and community matter more than division
Shaq’s testimony of going from IHOP shifts to international stages through God’s provision
The call to keep love at the center of Christian ministry
This episode is raw, inspiring, and filled with encouragement for anyone navigating faith, creativity, and calling.
Connect with DJ Bank Shaq here: https://www.instagram.com/officialbankshaq/
In this episode, Richard Williams returns to dive deep into vision, faith, and stepping out of the comfort zone. From launching his new devotional book 31 Days of Hope to leading the Harvest Conference, Richard shares how God continues to call ordinary people into extraordinary assignments.
We talk about:
The story behind 31 Days of Hope and how it came together
The Harvest Conference and its impact on unity, revival, and discipleship in Cleveland
Why authenticity and presence matter more than “big names”
The importance of vision, planning years ahead, and walking boldly in God’s calling
A challenge for anyone who feels like they’re “waiting” on the right time—what are you waiting for?
This episode is packed with encouragement, testimony, and vision for the future of the church and community.
Connect with Hope City: https://hopecitynow.online/?fbclid=PAZXh0bgNhZW0CMTEAAae9-RO3YaTKh4eVGhpzqFG0gqroKLRTbuCw-u8Ihalj48FuAN01-wVSl9i9Ug_aem_gBASqPma0_smorgu7HjuLA
In this powerful conversation, Eric sits down with Cory BiNks—a former seven-time World Series of Poker champion turned Christian rapper, missionary, and servant of God.
Cory shares his incredible testimony: from a basketball dream that never panned out, to a life steeped in partying and poker success, to bottoming out—and ultimately surrendering his life to Christ in the midst of the pandemic. He opens up about how Matthew 16:24 changed everything, why chasing worldly success can’t satisfy, and how obedience led him into music, ministry, and mentorship.
This episode dives deep into:
If you're chasing dreams, feeling stuck, or simply in need of encouragement, Cory’s story reminds us that God redeems time—and that any testimony can become a message of hope.
Connect with Cory BiNks
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/corybinks
Apple Music: Cory BiNks on Apple Music
Music on Spotify: Cory BiNks on Spotify
YouTube: Cory BiNks Music Channel
Episode 157 | Nobles Darby IV – Rooted in Christ in the World of Pro Sports
In this powerful conversation, we sit down with Nobles Darby IV, chaplain for the Cleveland Browns, Cavs, and Cleveland Charge, and a leader with the Fellowship of Christian Athletes. From his childhood vision of God’s presence to his journey through personal struggles and redemption, Nobles shares how faith has guided him into a unique calling — serving athletes, coaches, and their families in the high-pressure world of professional sports.
We dive into:
What it means to be rooted in Christ while serving in pro sports
The role of a chaplain in the NFL and NBA
How athletes quietly battle loneliness, identity, and trust
The balance between ministry, family, and personal rest
Nobles’ powerful testimony of grace, calling, and obedience
This episode is a reminder that faith is not just about words, but about presence, consistency, and living authentically in whatever space God places you.
🔔 Don’t forget to like, share, and subscribe for more faith-driven conversations.
In this episode, Eric Stephens welcomes back author, coach, and teacher Laurie Herbers for a powerful conversation on faith, obedience, and identity in Christ.
Laurie shares insights from her upcoming book No Tantrums in the Waiting Room and her new course Image Bearer: Awaken Your God-Given Identity and Authority. She opens up about what it means to trust God in the waiting, live in daily obedience, and step fully into the image of Christ.
From real-life testimonies of transformation, to the struggles believers face with trust and timing, this episode is filled with encouragement, practical wisdom, and Spirit-led revelations.
If you’ve ever wrestled with waiting on God, questioned your purpose, or needed a reminder that you are His reflection, this conversation will bless you.
✨ Topics Covered:
Why worship is essential in seasons of waiting
Understanding tantrums and obedience in our faith walk
What it means to be an image bearer of God
Stories of transformation through discipleship and journaling
How to walk in supernatural authority and trust God’s plan
📖 Scripture Highlight: Jeremiah 33:3 – “Call to me and I will answer you and tell you great and unsearchable things you do not know.”
🔗 Connect with Laurie:
Website – laurieherbers.com
Instagram – @solovelegacy
TikTok – @abundancewithlaurie
Facebook – Laurie Herbers
Be sure to like, share, and subscribe to stay updated on new episodes of the Rooted in Christ Podcast.
In this powerful episode of the Rooted in Christ Podcast, host Eric Stephens sits down with Mark Hebebrand to hear his remarkable journey from a troubled youth in Cleveland’s streets to becoming a devoted follower of Jesus and long-time ministry leader.
Mark shares raw, unfiltered stories from his past—growing up in the 80s hip hop scene, breakdancing battles, graffiti, DJing in clubs, and living a criminal lifestyle that led to run-ins with the law. He opens up about the night that changed everything, when a Good Friday church service and a simple prayer in a car led to a radical transformation in Christ.
Through spoken word, personal testimony, and heartfelt conversation, Mark reflects on the challenges of breaking old habits, the importance of finding healthy outlets, and how God redeems lost time. From mentoring youth in music to fostering brotherhood through sports, martial arts, and motorcycles, Mark’s life is a testament to the freedom and purpose found in Jesus.
If you or someone you know feels trapped by addiction, anger, or hopelessness, this conversation will inspire you to believe in the God who sets prisoners free.