CIA: Contagious Influencers of America

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"...

Julie Chen Moonves is always telling the house guests on Big Brother to "expect the unexpected," but when real life threw Julie a major curveball in 2018, only God was able to pull her through it. The longtime CBS game host and former moderator of "The Talk" shares her transformative spiritual awakening in her audio memoir called " But First, God ." It's a unique conversational audio experience. N...

It's almost time to say goodbye to 2023 and hello to a new year, but not without a moment of reflection. Nine-time Emmy winner and host, David Sams, sits down with Amercian Idol finalist and recording artist Colton Dixon who's had a big year to say the least. Colton was one of the topmost played Christian artists in 2023 with his No. 1 hit "Build A Boat (Feat. Gabby Barrett) and recent single "My...

'Tis the season! "America's pastor," Max Lucado , is joining nine-time Emmy winner David Sams on the Contagious Influencers of America podcast to help get you in the Christmas spirit. As always, Max brings his poetic storytelling to the table sharing about Jesus being born and his own personal overcomer story that inspired his latest best seller book: "God Never Gives Up On You." You can see Max o...

How does it feel to always be the bad guy? Neal McDonough has an idea. The actor has played some of the biggest villains in TV shows like "Desperate Housewives," "Suits," and "Yellowstone." In fact, he's filmed over 50 death scenes in his career! Now the veteran actor, known also for his appearance in "Band of Brothers," is taking on portraying the biggest villain of them all, Satan. It's in the n...

You may not normally describe a Christian film as a "dystopian drama" and "sci-fi thriller," but the new movie from Angel Studios is exactly that, giving a fresh take on a redemptive story. Nine-time Emmy winner David Sams visits with starring actor Kristoffer Polaha ("Wonder Woman 1984", "Jurassic World Dominion") and producer Ken Carpenter of the film " The Shift ." It's in theaters nationwide o...

Did you know American's will gobble up over 40 million turkeys this holiday season? But there's always at least one who escapes the dinner table thanks to a turkey pardon. Raymond Arroyo, Award-winning broadcast journalist and New York Times bestselling author, dives into the history of the very first turkey pardon in his "family picture book" called "The Magnificent Mischief of Tad Lincoln." It's...

It's becoming that time of year, to sip on hot cocoa, enjoy the Christmas decorations…and rock out!   The Trans-Siberian Orchestra 's music is a staple over the holiday season and you can experience it all during their 2023 winter tour. The Trans-Siberian Orchestra (TSO) is one of the world's top touring artists of the past decade and has sold over 12 million albums. Nine-time Emmy winner David Sa...

If you're going to a sporting event, you're going to make sure you have your glasses on to be able to see all the action crystal clear. Well, Rabbi Jason Sobel says the same can be said about reading the Bible! Rabbi Sobel, a bestselling author, is helping you experience God's word in "high-definition" with his latest book: "Signs and Secrets of the Messiah: A Fresh Look at the Miracles of Jesus."...

Did Mary break out into song and dance when she found out she was called to give birth to Jesus? Maybe not in actuality, but as you celebrate Christmas this season you can watch the nativity story in a way never done before. " Journey to Bethlehem " is a live-action Christmas musical and is in theaters starting November 10 th . Nine-time Emmy winner David Sams sits down with director Adam Anders,...

Another day, another encouraging movie! Actor and film producer Kevin Sorbo is in theaters again, this time with a family-friendly comedy. "Miracle in East Texas" is in theaters October 29th and 30th only. It's a tall tale based on an absolutely true story about the biggest oil strike in the history of the world. While it's a whole lot of fun, it also has a message of integrity, redemption, and mi...

You can fake a smile, but you can't fake your feelings. For decades comedian Jeff Allen had people laughing on television networks and shows like "America's Got Talent and "Dry Bar Comedy," but was crying on the inside. Now he's finding himself with a revitalized marriage and a repurposed career. Nine-time Emmy winner David Sams sits down with Jeff to talk about his journey to finding meaning in l...

If you want to be a leader to others, you first have to learn how to lead yourself! Jeff Reeter is an author, speaker, and successful businessman. Jeff is sitting down with nine-time Emmy winner David Sams to give you a custom-tailored master action plan to become the best version of your authentic self. His book "Do Life Differently" will help you find extraordinary in all areas of your life. Lik...