Episode Details
Todd Hoffman, star of the Discovery Channel’s Hoffman Family Gold, shares how walking with God prepares and guides us through our riskiest moments. Plus, MMA pro fighter Paige VanZant offers her story of how God brings beauty out of pain, and the purpose she has found to persevere.
More from Jesus Calling Season 1
Browse All EpisodesKristin Chenoweth, Tammie Jo Shults
Episode 101Actress Kristin Chenoweth talks about an accident that almost ended her career; pilot Tammy Jo Shults talks about how her faith sustained her through a deadly airline accident.
Hunter Hayes, Zach Williams
Episode 102Hunter Hayes shares how God helped him find value; Christian artist Zach Williams tells how God transformed him from a struggling rock star to an artist who touches many lives.
Linsey Davis, Mattie Jackson
Episode 103News correspondent Linsey Davis shares how she has taken lessons from her daily life to show that what's important is loving people, not focusing on differences; storyteller Mattie Jackson Selecman talks about the tragic loss of her husband.
Kathie Lee Gifford, Darryl Worley
Episode 104Kathie Lee Gifford shares how her faith has kept her grounded while also giving her the wings to pursue her passions; country musician Darryl Worley demonstrates how he found the faith to say "yes" to a whole new dream.
Chonda Pierce, Craig Morgan
Episode 105Join host Lauren Alaina each week as she sits down with special guests who share their real stories of heartache and success, and how their faith inspired them through it all.
Beathard, Gloria Gaynor
Episode 106Join host Lauren Alaina each week as she sits down with special guests who share their real stories of heartache and success, and how their faith inspired them through it all.
Jay Demarcus, Sandi Patty
Episode 107Join host Lauren Alaina each week as she sits down with special guests who share their real stories of heartache and success, and how their faith inspired them through it all.
James Brown, Aaron Watson
Episode 108Join host Lauren Alaina each week as she sits down with special guests who share their real stories of heartache and success, and how their faith inspired them through it all.
Jim & Jill Kelly, Susie McEntire, Mark Eaton
Episode 109Join host Lauren Alaina each week as she sits down with special guests who share their real stories of heartache and success, and how their faith inspired them through it all.
Elisabeth Hasselbeck, Anthony Lucia
Episode 110Join host Lauren Alaina each week as she sits down with special guests who share their real stories of heartache and success, and how their faith inspired them through it all.
Randy & Mary Travis, Charlie Daniels
Episode 111Join host Lauren Alaina each week as she sits down with special guests who share their real stories of heartache and success, and how their faith inspired them through it all.
Sara Evans / Kierra Sheard-Kelly
Episode 201Our guest this week—country music star Sara Evans and gospel music sensation Kierra Sheard-Kelly— are two strong women of faith who are letting their light shine through the beautiful music they bring to the world. They share the ups and downs of a career in the spotlight, and how their faith in God helped them find their purpose in the world, as well as gave them the strength to withstand the difficult times.
Darryl Strawberry / Kay Warren
Episode 202When hard things come our way, we might lose hope that there’s something better for us out there. Our guests this week—8-time MLB All-Star Darryl Strawberry and author Kay Warren—each struggled with difficult circumstances: one faced addiction, imprisonment, and a cancer diagnosis; the other, the loss of a son through suicide. Both decided they could either stay where they were in their misery or use their pain to help others who might be fighting similar battles.
Kurt Warner / Kurt Angle
Episode 203When that big thing is standing in our way, blocking us from what and who we want to become, it may occur to us that maybe it’s time to throw in the towel. Our guests this week are NFL Hall of Fame quarterback Kurt Warner and superstar wrestler Kurt Angle, both who had dreams of becoming pro athletes, but weren’t quite sure they could reach those dreams due to some pretty incredible obstacles they had to face along the way. These two guys managed to dig deep for strength to keep going and trusted the One who created them to get them to where they needed to be.
Emily Norton / Ally Brooke
Episode 204It takes great faith to believe in love and to believe in yourself—and to hold on to hope along the way. Our guests this week are Chris and Emily Norton, a young couple whose story of love and courage went viral on social media, and singer Ally Brooke, who shares how she found harmony between the star the world sees onstage and the strong woman of integrity she’s always tried to be.
Ryan Sheckler / Russ Taff
Episode 205When you are at the bottom of a pit after a long fall, it takes an inspiring level of faith to believe that God will restore you. Our guests this week—pro skateboarder Ryan Sheckler and GRAMMY and Dove Award winning Christian singer Russ Taff—share how they worked hard to get to the top of their fields, only to risk throwing it all away because of their addictions, and how God saved them in their darkest hour.
Laura Alaina / Raleigh Keegan
Episode 206Hard goodbyes are unfortunately a part of life. But we can take heart in knowing that heaven is our home, and that God is always near. Our guests this week—American Idol finalist and country singer Lauren Alaina and country musician Raleigh Keegan—share how they, along with their families, navigated difficult life circumstances, all while keeping the faith in things unseen.
Nik Wallenda / Collin Raye
Episode 207Perseverance to make a difference doesn’t come without a few bumps along the way. Our guests on this episode—tight rope walker Nike Wallenda and country music icon Collin Raye—have both faced fears on the path to individual legacies; one from a long line of acrobatic performers going back generations, and one who is country music royalty, extending his legacy through his foundation work to help kids and families.
Rashad Jennings / Michael Franzese
Episode 208Maybe you’ve thought about changing something in your life for the better, but find it hard to make that shift. It could be because starting something new can be scary, or maybe you just don’t believe in yourself and that you deserve something better. The two men we’re talking to this week have both experienced a lot of change, and have had to learn that when we know the right thing to do, and believe in ourselves, we’ll find the faith to make that leap. We’re talking with former NFL player and Dancing with the Stars winner Rashad Jennings and former mafia member Michael Franzese.
Lathan Warlick / Carlyle Harris
Episode 209It takes courage to stand out from the crowd, but it’s a lot easier when we can rely on God to help us feel rooted in confidence. Our guests this week—music sensation Lathan Warlick and veteran Carlyle “Smitty” Harris, who spent 8 years in as a POW in the infamous Hanoi Hilton—are blazing their own trails of faith through their near-death experiences, and each share how God was their saving grace.
David Crowder / High Valley
Episode 210Our guests this week are musical artists who feel a sense of purpose about the songs and messages they bring into the world—one creates music that is geared toward strengthening our relationship with God, and the others are motivated by their love of family—and making music that families feel good listening to together; GRAMMY nominated worship artist David Crowder, and country singing brothers Brad and Curtis Rempel of the group High Valley.
Susie McEntire-Eaton / Reba McEntire
Episode 211Jesus Calling: Stories of Faith host Susie McEntire-Eaton meets up with sisters Reba and Alice to share stories about growing up in Oklahoma as part of a rodeo family, their beloved grandmother who introduced them to the faith that would guide them through their lives, and their deepest hopes and prayers for their own families.
Tony Dungy / Holly Singletary
Episode 212What does it truly mean to be winning in life? It turns out it’s much more about who you are and what you give to others—not so much about what you do. On this season finale, our guests—legendary NFL coach Tony Dungy and country musician Daryle Singletary’s widow, Holly—share how they’ve made it a priority to pass along a legacy of faith to those around them.
Amy Grant; Alexa and Carlos PenaVega
Episode 301Kennedy Center Honors recipient Amy Grant shares about a recent health scare and how that situation put things in perspective—that no matter the outcome, God would be there for her. Actors Alexa and Carlos PenaVega share how they met, and that in a world where it’s fashionable to focus on “self,” they find joy in serving others and pointing them to God.
Luke and Joel Smallbone; Jordan Matthews
Episode 302Luke and Joel Smallbone of For King & Country share about some of the hardships of starting with absolutely nothing. Now, they’re carrying out a family legacy of music in a bigger way than they ever dreamed possible. NFL player Jordan Matthews was measuring his worth by how well he was doing in football. When he realized fellow players had a different, Christ-centered approach, Jordan wanted in. And he learned a relationship with God isn’t based on our performance.
Gary LeVox; Danny Gokey
Episode 303Gary LeVox of Rascal Flatts shares how an encounter with God motivated him to move to Nashville and try to make it in country music. As part of one of the biggest groups country music has ever seen, God led him to a new solo venture. Christian musician Danny Gokey stormed onto the scene after becoming a top 3 finalist on “American Idol, Season 8.” Danny talks about how he clung to God for healing when it seemed impossible to ever get over the loss of his wife.
Tabitha Brown; Brad and Brett Warren
Episode 304Tabitha Brown shares the struggle she overcame after going through a long and difficult period of medical challenge. See how a daily life of prayer and the discovering the power of a plant-based diet changed her life. Songwriters Brad and Brett Warren have written hits for country superstars like Tim McGraw, Dierks Bentley and Martina McBride. The brothers talk about their paths to sobriety and how reading Jesus Calling offered hope after the loss of Brad’s son.
Trent Dilfer
Episode 305Jesus Calling host Chris Tomlin tells personal stories how faith helped to reveal his path toward writing so many of the songs shared by the Church today. NFL champion and quarterback Trent Dilfer reveals how the pillars his faith, family and football offered a steady foundation in his life. That faith was tested after the loss of his son Trevin.
Todd Hoffman; Paige VanZant
Episode 306Todd Hoffman, star of the Discovery Channel’s Hoffman Family Gold, shares how walking with God prepares and guides us through our riskiest moments. Plus, MMA pro fighter Paige VanZant offers her story of how God brings beauty out of pain, and the purpose she has found to persevere.
Sonya Curry; Ben Higgins
Episode 307Sonya Curry, educator, author and mother of NBA stars Steph and Seth Curry, shares how a life of faith leads to places you may not think possible. The Bachelor alum Ben Higgins discusses the impact of God on his life, the importance of using his platform for good and how this led him to his non-profit work with Generous Coffee.
Granger Smith; Candice Myers and Rope Myers
Episode 308Country music singer Granger Smith and his wife Amber remember the beauty of their son, River’s, life and how faith guides us through our most difficult decisions. Candice Myers and Champion Steer Wrestler Rope Myers reveal how God’s presence can even be felt in the darkness.
Brett Young; Rev. Run and Justine Run
Episode 309Country music star Brett Young talks about how our faith carries us when our dreams crumbles. Rev. Run of the legendary Run DMC (and his wife Justine) remember how Jesus came into Run’s life when he discovered that fame, wealth, and access would never satisfy. The couple also reveal the power of a shared commitment to God bringing strength and unity to their marriage.
Tamela and David Mann; Steve Wariner
Episode 310Tamela and David Mann talk about their commitment to bringing joy, hope, and laughter to others during the pandemic. Country music singer-songwriter Steve Wariner talks to us about working with legendary artists Dottie West and Chet Atkins, and how the pursuit of spiritual things has changed his life.
Walker Hayes; Shawn Johnson and Andrew East
Episode 311Country singer Walker Hayes was deeply impacted by his friendship with Craig Cooper. Today he shares about how both friends have showed up for each other in crucial ways during difficult seasons of life. Plus, there was an immediate connection between Olympic gold medal gymnast Shawn Johnson and NFL player Andrew East. They reflect on how online communities can make a positive impact during trying times.
Daniel Ponce de Leon; Linda Davis and Lang Scott
Episode 312MLB pitcher Daniel Ponce de Leon shares how his faith in God and the support of his close family gave him the strength to return to playing baseball after sustaining a major injury. Musicians Linda Davis and Lang Scott share five Grammys, and their daughters have won Grammys of their own. The husband-and-wife team talk about the rewards of bringing hope to the world through music.
Bubba Watson; Jimmy Houston
Episode 313Bubba Watson recently reached a career high by achieving second place in the Official World Golf Ranking. Bubba dreamed of being a champion golfer while growing up in a small town outside of Pensacola, Florida, and twelve wins on the PGA Tour and 2 Masters Championships later, he saw his dreams come to life in a big way. But in the midst of those victories, Bubba was secretly struggling with his mental health. He candidly shares what moved him to seek help, and how today he practices prayer, meditation, and reading devotionals to shield his mind and his heart from anxiety. Professional fisherman Jimmy Houston is often called "America’s Favorite Fisherman.” Jimmy has been fishing on national television since 1977, and his show, Jimmy Houston Outdoors, is consistently ranked as the #1 outdoors show on ESPN. When Jimmy found himself at low points over the years, he realized that God was always able to pick him up and take him to that next step toward where he needed to be.
Elaine Welteroth is a New York Times bestselling author, award-winning journalist, and has been a judge on the reboot of Project Runway. She has also written for the hit show Grown-ish. Jonathan Singletary is a Los Angeles-based artist, songwriter, and producer. Growing up the son of a gospel choir director, he was raised on the soul music of Marvin Gaye, Aretha Franklin, and the Isley Brothers. Elaine and Jonathan were friends growing up in church—but as they got older, they moved on to different things; Elaine pursuing journalism and Jonathan, music. It wasn't until years later they reconnected and built a totally new friendship as adults; finding out that the faith and values their early lives were steeped in would be the foundation for their marriage. Country artist Travis Tritt has enjoyed many number one hits. He’s hosted television shows, appeared in major theatrical films, and he’s a member of the Grand Ole Opry. Having been given so much, Travis finds joy in sharing some of those blessings with others—and the simple act of helping people has touched something deep within him that nothing else has before.
Chris and Kelly Janson; Eddie Montgomery
Episode 315Country singer Chris Janson has had a career marked by number one songs and songwriting credits for folks like Tim McGraw and Hank Williams Jr. When he was just getting his start, he met Kelly, who also worked in the country music world, and the two hit it off right away. They got married and Kelly became Chris’ manager as Chris’ career blew up after his first single “Buy Me a Boat” shot to number one. In the meantime, Chris and Kelly were growing their family. Chris always relied on his faith to keep him humble while fame and success came his way. That faith became even more real to Chris the night fire broke out in his home. He shares why he believes Kelly woke up that night to hear the faint beeping that saved their lives. The world lost a special artist in the fall of 2017 when Troy Gentry of Montgomery Gentry was killed in a tragic helicopter accident. Montgomery Gentry remains one of the most popular country duos of all time with multiple platinum records and countless awards. Troy’s friend and bandmate of over 20 years, Eddie Montgomery, looks back to when he and his brother first met Troy, their rise to success as friends who loved to play music together, and the fateful day of Troy’s helicopter accident.