CIA: Contagious Influencers of America

She went looking for love on national television — and found it in the last place she expected. Best-selling author Madison Prewett Troutt first captured hearts as a finalist on Season 24 of ABC's The Bachelor, but her real love story started with a blind date she almost turned down. In this encore presentation, Madi sits down with nine-time Emmy winner David Sams just as she's stepping into life...

Is there anything more synonymous with patriotic pride than "God Bless The U.S.A."? As we celebrate Independence Day and the 250th birthday of our nation, we're bringing back this fan favorite — originally released on Veterans Day 2022 — because Lee Greenwood and this song belong on every American holiday playlist. Nine-time Emmy winner David Sams sits down with the Grammy award-winning artist to...

As America celebrates her 250th birthday, there is no more fitting time to revisit this powerful conversation with one of the most courageous women connected to our nation's legacy of service and sacrifice. Taya Kyle was thrust into the national spotlight when her husband, Chris Kyle, became one of America's greatest war heroes — his story immortalized in the book and blockbuster film American Sni...

There's no story quite like a redemption story—and the truth is, no father is ever too far gone for a second chance. In honor of Father's Day, we are opening the archives for a special Encore presentation celebrating the legacy of a true family patriarch, Phil Robertson, who passed away last year. Long before the Robertsons encouraged millions on their hit TV show Duck Dynasty , there was a day wh...

What do you do when the worst thing imaginable happens — and you're left questioning everything you thought you believed? This week we're bringing back one of our most powerful conversations ever, and it hits even harder now. Nine-time Emmy winner David Sams sat down with Granger Smith — award-winning, platinum-selling country music artist turned New York Times bestselling author and minister — fi...

Before the engagement and the sold-out shows, there was the struggle. In this Encore! episode of Contagious Influencers of America podcast, Ben Fuller gets incredibly raw with host David Sams about a season many of us know all too well: being single, staying sober, and searching for "the one." Recorded just before his recent engagement, this conversation is a time capsule of the faith it takes to...

What if the detour isn't the end of the road—but the very path God uses to get you where you're meant to go? In this uplifting episode of Contagious Influencers of America, nine-time Emmy winner David Sams sits down with renowned author, speaker, and "Life Coach to the Stars," Tim Storey , for a powerful conversation about hope, hardship, purpose, and the beauty of becoming. From being raised in h...

What do you do when doctors give you five years to live… and you're still here more than twenty years later? In this moving episode of Contagious Influencers of America, nine-time Emmy winner David Sams interviews singer-songwriter and worship leader Tim Timmons . Diagnosed with incurable cancer in 2001 and given just five years, Tim's story deepened into one of profound faith, surrender, and hope...

What happens when a hitmaker hits a breaking point? In this revealing episode of  Contagious Influencers of America , nine-time Emmy winner David Sams sits down with Gold-certified, award-winning singer-songwriter Colton Dixon —an artist who has spent his career using music to connect hearts, lift spirits, and offer hope. With nearly 1 billion streams, multiple #1 Billboard debuts, and songs that...

What if the rising cost of health insurance isn't your only option and you could save hundreds every month with an alternative? In this powerful and timely episode, nine-time Emmy winner David Sams sits down with longtime friend of KeepTheFaith , Marq James , Chief Marketing Officer of Medi-Share—the Christian healthcare-sharing community that's been helping families cover their medical costs for...

What if the darkest valley of your life became the very place God met you face-to-face? In this powerful and deeply personal episode of Contagious Influencers of America , chart-topping Christian artist Tasha Layton pulls back the curtain on the pain, healing, faith, and redemption that shaped her journey—from a suicide attempt and seasons of doubt to becoming one of today's most influential voice...

Every holiday season, Trans-Siberian Orchestra electrifies audiences with a symphony of rock, lights, and storytelling unlike anything else on earth. Nine-time Emmy winner David Sams sits down with Al Pitrelli—TSO's lead guitarist, musical director, and founding member—to reveal the heart, history, and humanity behind one of America's most cherished Christmas traditions. From the early days of ana...

From a small-town Vermont dairy farm to the stage of the Grand Ole Opry, Christian artist Ben Fuller has walked through fire—and come out transformed. In this powerful episode nine-time Emmy winner David Sams sits down with Ben to talk about addiction, redemption, and the relentless grace of God. Ben opens up about his past struggles with cocaine, alcohol, and shame, and how one encounter with Jes...

If you've ever struggled with believing you're enough—or wondered how to face the lies that spin in your head about who you are—this episode will remind you of one unshakable truth: you are a child of God. In this compelling episode  with nine-time Emmy winner David Sams , rising artist Megan Woods shares her extraordinary story of surviving years of bullying, verbal abuse and battling self-worth...

What if the key to healing pain, boosting brain health, and even reducing inflammation was as simple as light? In this groundbreaking episode, nine-time Emmy winner David Sams sits down with inventor Tom Kerber to explore the science and miracles behind SunPowerLED's red light therapy . From relieving arthritis, back pain, and migraines to supporting recovery from traumatic brain injuries, Parkins...

This is a story of hope, faith, and purpose you'll never forget. Actor Joel Courtney and inspirational speaker John O'Leary connect with nine-time Emmy winner David Sams to share the real-life miracle behind the upcoming film Soul on Fire , a powerful true story of survival and redemption hitting theaters October 10, 2025. At just nine years old, John O'Leary survived a devastating explosion that...

Pastor, author, and legendary storyteller Steve Brown joins nine-time Emmy winner David Sams for a powerful conversation about faith, grace, and the art of sharing your story. From his early days in commercial radio to miraculous moments of healing, Steve reflects on the experiences that shaped his life and ministry. As founder of Key Life Network and Bible teacher on the nationally syndicated Key...

You've faced the kind of pain that should have destroyed you—abuse, betrayal, shattered relationships. But with faith, even the darkest nights can lead to songs of redemption. In this episode of Contagious Influencers of America, you'll hear the powerful journey of Nicole C. Mullen —the Grammy-nominated, Dove Award–winning singer-songwriter behind the timeless hits "Redeemer," "On My Knees" and "C...

Wink Martindale, the legendary radio and television icon, died in Rancho Mirage, California on Tuesday, April 15, 2025, at the age of 91. The king of game shows who was perhaps best known for hosting the beloved Tic-Tac-Dough and Gambit, had a remarkable 74-year career. He was surrounded by family and his beloved wife of 49 years, Sandra Martindale.   Wink was a longtime friend of CIA host and 9-t...

The epic tale of David and Goliath has inspired generations—but what if you could experience it like never before? Award-winning filmmaker Jon Erwin (Jesus Revolution, I Can Only Imagine) is bringing this legendary story to life in House of David , a groundbreaking new TV series streaming worldwide on Prime Video starting February 27th. In this compelling podcast episode, nine-time Emmy winner Dav...

Where do you place your value? Demi-Leigh Tebow has learned her identity is much more than her Miss Universe crown. In this episode, nine-time Emmy winner David Sams chats with Demi about her book "A Crown That Lasts" and the inspiration behind it. Demi, who's the wife of former NFL quarterback Tim Tebow, shares how her own experiences of failure and identity struggles led her to write the book. D...

It was Einstein who said: "There are only two ways to live your life. One is as though nothing is a miracle. The other is as though everything is a miracle." In this engaging conversation, nine-time Emmy winner David Sams and New York Times bestselling author Pastor Mark Batterson explore the concept of miracles in contemporary life, discussing personal experiences, the importance of gratitude, an...

What better time than now to ignite your comeback with the original comeback coach, Tim Storey , life coach to the stars! In this special episode, nine-time Emmy winner David Sams catches up with his good friend to discuss personal growth, overcoming obstacles, and unlocking your hidden potential through the transformative power of mindset. Drawing from Tim's book The Miracle Mentality , this insp...

He's most recently known for his performance of "God Bless America" at the Butler, Pennsylvania Trump Rally, and now he'll be performing again this time as President Donald Trump is sworn in as the 47th President of the United States. Nine-time Emmy winner David Sams gets to sit down with international classical-crossover vocalist, Chris Macchio . In this engaging conversation, Chris shares his jo...

Regardless of how stressed and anxiety-ridden you entered 2025, it's possible to live joyfully and without worry. Radio host and podcaster Brant Hansen shares the message of taking Jesus seriously in all of life and in turn finding a sense of peace amongst the chaos. In this engaging conversation, nine-time Emmy winner David Sams chats with Brant about the themes of joy, anxiety, and trust in God....