CIA: Contagious Influencers of America

Feeling lost? Famous At Home founder Dr. Josh Straub can help you find your way back home. He breaks down why it's crucial to prioritize emotional well-being, not just for yourself but for the health of your home and relationships. From dealing with stress and conflict in marriage to fostering emotional resilience in your kids, he speaks with nine-time Emmy winner David Sams and offers actionable...

​ Are you tired of feeling weighed down by  ​ ​ today's complex racial, cultural, and socio-political challenges? James E. Ward Jr ., known as "America's Zero Victim Pastor," offers a fresh perspective on how to break free from these burdens. A highly sought-after speaker, James addresses  ​ t ​hese taboo subjects  with a message that's both timely and transformative. His "Zero Victim" philosophy...

God's timing is always perfect and that couldn't be more true for the latest installment of the " God's Not Dead " franchise. David A.R. White is starring in "God's Not Dead: In God We Trust" that is set to hit theaters on September 12th. David sits down with nine-time Emmy winner David Sams to talk about how the movie centers on contemporary issues related to faith and politics. David answers the...

Did you know that 40 million Christians don't vote? The latest "God's Not Dead" movie is on a mission to change that, and it starts with letting people know their voices deserve to be heard. " God's Not Dead: In God We Trust " is in theaters September 12th. Nine-time Emmy winner David Sams sits down with Scott Baio who stars in the film. Scott is best known for his roles as Chachi in TV's iconic s...

When one dream fades, it can often be the dawn of a new one! The story of President Ronald Reagan is filled with overcoming the odds—making his way from small-town roots, to Hollywood stardom, and then onto sitting in the White House. The movie " Reagan " hits the theaters nationwide on August 30th. Actor Dennis Quaid takes on the role of the 40th President, and brings to life a story that transce...

You may know her for the more than two dozen books and Bible studies she's written, or for her popular conferences with Going Beyond Ministries, but this month you'll be able to see her on the big screen once again.   Priscilla Shirer is starring in the latest Kendrick Brothers' film, " The Forge ," that hits theaters on August 23 rd . Nine-time Emmy winner David Sams catches up with the actress t...

"Whoever wants the next generation the most, will get them." We are all role models to someone in this world, and we can have a positive impact. The Kendrick Brothers are the creators of film hits like "War Room," "Overcomer," and "Courageous." Now, after years of prayer, their new movie " The Forge " is set out to inspire those of us to become mentors to the next generation, and for young men and...

Drug-dealer-turned-Christian is the latest role for Oscar winning actor Cuba Gooding, Jr. " The Firing Squad " is in theaters August 2nd and Cuba's starring role has him reflecting on his own faith journey. It's based on the incredible true story of prisoners who found faith while facing execution in a third world country and their love for Christ changes the eternal destiny of others. Nine-time E...

If you're wondering if there's any hope out there, let Kevin Sorbo shine down a light. His new film: " The Firing Squad " is based on the incredible true story of three prisoners who find faith and redemption while facing execution in a third world country. Kevin, who first rose to fame as TV's "Hercules," has appeared in films like the box office hit "God's Not Dead" and his own studio film "Let...

Three-time Grammy nominee and American Idol finalist Danny Gokey is back at the Contagious Influencers of America podcast studio ahead of his new album drop. "Sound of Heaven" is set to be released on July 26 th . Nine-time Emmy winner David Sams asks Danny all sorts of burning questions about his Latin influence in music, his ultimate dream in life, his growing non-profit that is improving the li...

Let's hear your "ROOOAR!" Grammy Award-winning Christian singer/songwriter Brandon Lake is known for his inspiring, heartfelt music, but he's on a new journey with his wife, Brittany, to help young children experience the power of faith. The couple wrote a new children's book called: "Little Lion Lungs." It's inspired by the words of Brandon's worship song "Gratitude" and helps your family show yo...

Want to learn how to turn fear into faith, tragedy into triumph, suffering into strength? Taya Kyle was thrust into the national scene when her husband, Chris Kyle, became known as one of America's greatest heroes. His story was told in the book and movie, "American Sniper." After Chris' death at a shooting range in Texas, Taya is continuing to honor his life as a bestselling author and speaker. T...

Be ready to be moved to tears and ignite a fire into your soul to fight for kids this July 4th. The movie " Sound of Hope: The Story of Possum Trot " is inspired by a powerful true story where a rural church in East Texas adopted 77 of the "most difficult to place" children in the foster care system. It's a story that proves with real, determined love, the battle for America's most vulnerable can...

When you've spent the better part of your life making people laugh, it can be hard to imagine a life filled with darkness and tragedy, but the Chonda Pierce has learned how to be at peace with it all. Nine-time Emmy winner David Sams sits down with the award-winning comedian, TV host, and actress. Chonda digs deep into family secrets, untimely deaths, and severed relationships that shaped her into...

We all have a past, parts of it we fondly recall, and others, not so much. Licensed therapist Jason VanRuler has his own difficult past he's faced head-on and now is helping others find healing from brokenness. Nine-time Emmy winner David Sams sits down with Jason to hear encouragement and practical wisdom to gain true authentic connection. Jason VanRuler's book: "Get Past Your Past: How Facing Yo...

When darkness is all around you, it's hope that can be the light and help you have sight! Dr. Ming Wang is a world-renowned eye surgeon that has helped restore eyesight to millions of patients thanks to his patented technology.   But that's just the latter half of his story. As a teenager, Dr. Wang fought to escape China's Cultural Revolution — during which millions of innocent youths were faced w...

"Your family, they aren't in the way, they are the way." The remarkable true story of the Smallbones is coming to theaters nationwide on April 26 th . Luke Smallbone, a quadruple GRAMMY ® -winning artist and one-half of the pop-duo "for King + Country," sits down with nine-time Emmy winner David Sams to talk about the movie "Unsung Hero." It follows the dad, David Smallbone (played by Luke's broth...

How can you live out your faith in everyday life? Pastor Allen Jackson is here to guide your path. And no, we're not talking about the country star either. He's the senior pastor at World Outreach Church right outside Nashville, TN that has grown from just 30 people to now over 15 thousand under his decades of leadership. Nine-time Emmy winner David Sams sits down with Allen at the homestead to le...

Sometimes the only mode of transportation to take you where you want to go is a leap of faith! You would think someone as successful as New York Times bestselling author, Karen Kingsbury, wouldn't need to take risks anymore, but Karen and her family used their life savings to fulfill her dream of making her fan-favorite book, "Someone Like You," into a movie on her terms! Nine-time Emmy winner Dav...

He's worked with some of the biggest names in the Christian music industry and now he's here to give you a how-to manual for singers, artists, and really anyone wanting a career in the music business. Scott Brickell is the founder and CEO of BrickHouse Entertainment and currently manages artists like MercyMe, Cain, and Micah Tyler. He's also previously managed and consulted bands such as Switchfoo...

Miracles happen every day, and when your last name is quite literally Miracle, you have to believe it! As author and speaker Gary Miracle describes it, his life caught up to his name in 2020 when an infection nearly killed him after going into septic shock and caused him to lose his arms and legs. His incredible story reached the world when the Grammy-nominated Christian band "MercyMe" shared it t...

C.S. Lewis said it best: "You are never too old to set another goal or to dream a new dream!" As you think about your goals and aspirations for the new year, let Hope Darst be your source of inspiration. Hope is a Christian singer, songwriter, and worship leader who signed her first record deal in 2019 at the age of 39. Before her professional singing career skyrocketed, she was busy as a mom and...

Does the state of the world have you entering 2024 with fear and anxiety instead of hope for a better future? World renowned evangelist and motivational speaker,  Nick Vujicic , was born without arms or legs and is here to offer a dose of reality, but more importantly fill you up with empowerment to take action. Nine-time Emmy winner, David Sams, sits down with Nick to hear about all his future en...

New year, new you? If you're finding yourself unexpectedly starting a new chapter in life, Brandi Wilson is here to offer words of wisdom from her own life experience. Brandi is a certified personal and executive coach, but before all of that she was a pastor's wife at one of the largest congregations in Tennessee. That is until her husband of 20 years left her, leaving her life and dreams shatter...

It's time to cuddle up next to the fire with a warm cup of hot cocoa this holiday season and listen to one of the sweetest and most soothing voices to come onto our podcast. Bestselling author and sought-after Bible teacher and speaker, Lisa Harper , is sitting down with nine-time Emmy winner David Sams to talk about her new devotional "Jesus." It's a follow-up to her bestselling devotional "Life"...