Connections with Mike Thom and Colleen Houde

Life has been a rollercoaster ride for Wade Sanderson. He lost his faith in God early on in life and turned to drugs and alcohol to cope with the tough times he faced.  He spent seven years battling addiction until May 2000 when he encountered God. Wade went on to be baptized and then attended Bible College before starting up his ministry, Inspire Fire.  Today on Connections, Wade shares his amazi...

When the world's problems loom large and your ordinary life stretches you thin, it is still possible to be a difference-maker--and it's simpler than you might think. Rather than telling you to  do more, Becky Keife shows you how to  see more: more of the people in front of you, more of God's lavish love for you, and more of His power within you.   Today on Connections, Becky shares how simple it i...

Life is unpredictable. The plans we dream about and make don’t always become our realities. Today on Connections, Bethany Beal, co-founder of Girl Defined Ministries, reminds us that true hope doesn't come from getting the life we've always dreamed of but from trusting God with the life he has for us. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

T.C. Stallings, professional football athlete turned actor, is best known for his award-winning role in the #1 box-office film War Room. But throughout his life, he sensed a spiritual battle from a young age enduring challenging, life-altering circumstances. T.C. was desperate to escape the housing projects of Cleveland, where he grew up surrounded by gangs, crime, violence, and drugs. Raised by a...

The Chosen – the global phenomenon, multi-episode television drama based on the life of Jesus – will launch the first two episodes of its highly anticipated third season in more than 2000 movie theatres globally, including across Canada, Friday, November 18, 2022. Giavanni Cairo plays the role of Thaddeus. Today on Connections, Giavanni will chat about the much anticipated season 3. He'll also sha...

During the current economic trend known as the "Great Resignation," workers are quitting jobs at near-record levels in search of better opportunities. Some leave in search of better pay, but many say they are searching for better workplaces – ones that offer employees dignity, safety and flexibility. In 2022, workers want more from their jobs than a paycheck.  What are they seeking? Dr. Tim Kimmel...

With the recent news of Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps opening fire on schoolgirls and the harrowing video of a teen singing before being gunned down, violence against protesters has served to intensify unrest across the county, with more innocents killed at the hands of the regime. Dr. Hormoz Shariat, president of  Iran Alive Ministries , has lived through this experience. His brother w...

When Hayden Moffit was born, he was diagnosed with a severe case of cerebral palsy. His parents were told that his future was grim and that he would never leave the hospital. Hayden did leave the hospital and went on to live for over two years. His mother, Rochelle, says God showed his grace and mercy through Hayden's life and did many miracles that kept them going.  Today on Connections, Rochelle...

Claudia Wells' iconic starring role as Jennifer Parker, Michael J. Fox’s present-day girlfriend in the 1985 hit film BACK TO THE FUTURE, has forever put her in movie history. Although things seemed perfect on the outside, behind closed doors, Claudia's world was crashing down around her.  Today on Connections, Claudia shares how she was able to find God in Hollywood. She also shares what she is up...

Kira Fontana dreamed of a life-long music career. She loved singing and composing songs, and after studying music composition at top conservatories on the East Coast, Kira moved to Los Angeles to begin her music career. She eventually became one of the top vocal coaches in the city. For most, this would be an exciting opportunity, but it left Kira longing for more.  Discouraged by what she saw in...

There comes a time when every child steps into adulthood and begins making their own choices. So, how can today’s parents continue to guide their adult children, even if they disagree with their kids’ decisions? Beloved author and international speaker Mary DeMuth answers this question in her new book, Love, Pray, Listen: Parenting Your Wayward Adult Kids with Joy. Parents of wayward children may...

Tuzee is an emerging  R&B, pop singer-songwriter and full-time nurse. Born and raised in Liberia, West Africa (now a proud Canadian), Tuzee loves music and has been singing since she was a child. She says music was an oasis during incredible times of suffering. Tuzee calls music her happy place as it reconnects her to the past and the present and helps her embrace the future. She hopes her mus...

Winnipeg-born author and speaker Amy Hayward has released her first book, Victory Over Rejection . “Each of us has a unique story, and for too many of us, that story includes rejection, " says Hayward. She is now sharing her story of victory in hopes of helping others to find freedom and break out of that cycle of rejection, fear and pain.  Amy shares her testimony with us today on Connections.  S...

Chris Singleton is a former minor league baseball player drafted by the Chicago Cubs. He became a nationally-renowned speaker with a message of resilience, forgiveness and unity following the loss of his mother in the 2015 Mother Emanuel Church Tragedy in Charleston, SC, where nine African Americans were killed during a Bible study.   Singleton is now using this tragedy to unite people.  Today on...

Parents want their children to grow up with the ability to face life, especially disappointments and risks, with confidence and bravery. Children who learn resiliency are less likely to give up, avoid risks and become overwhelmed with anxiety and depression. Kathy Koch, PhD., is a child development specialist and author of six books, including RESILIENT KIDS: RAISING THEM TO EMBRACE LIFE WITH CONF...

With prices on the rise for basically everything, saving a dollar or two here and there can help. Nichole Schaubroeck, known online as Coupon Cutie,  is an expert in this area. Nichole has spent years figuring out the best ways to save money and is now using social media to help others do the same. Today on Connections, Nichole shares ways that we can save money in the grocery store.  See omnystud...

Lucille Williams joins us today. She is the author of several books,  The Intimacy You Crave: Straight Talk about Sex and Pancakes and From Me to We: A Premarital Guide for the Bride- and Groom-to-Be. She's also a national speaker and has ministered to families and couples for over 25 years.  Today on Connections, Lucille shares some tips and advice on how we can keep our marriage strong while rai...

In a culture where value is placed on grand displays of power and influence, it is easy to get caught in the comparison trap that creates an enormous pressure to do more, try harder, or “go big or go home.” The constant striving for greatness and abundance can disrupt our peace, happiness, and confidence. Like many women, Rachael Adams questioned her worth, which she based on her contributions as...

It's a rags-to-riches story that starts with a piece of trash.  In 2018, Adam Gillan walked into Alexander Archbold's now-closed antique shop with a ratty Bambi picture.  Alexander gave Adam $20. Alex later found out it was worth thousands of dollars.  Alexander tracked down Adam and gave him half of the money he had received for the picture. It was that generosity that changed Adam's life moving...

It's a rags-to-riches story that starts with a piece of trash.  In  2018, a man named Adam walked into Alexander Archbold's now-closed antique shop with a ratty Bambi picture.  Alexander gave the man $20. He later found out it was worth thousands of dollars.  He tracked down Adam and gave him half of the money he had received for the picture. It was that generosity that changed Adam's life moving...

With chaotic spaces come cluttered minds. Interior decorator and home coach Shannon Acheson wants to solve both problems with the ultimate stress-free guide to getting your home back under control. Room-by-room, Acheson’s The Clutter Fix: The No-Fail, Stress-Free Guide to Organizing Your Home tackles the shoulds and should-nots of reorganizing your home. Her tips and tricks apply to everyone—helpi...

Traumatic experiences can leave even the most devoted Christians wondering, Where is God in all this? Loss, disappointment and hardship take a toll, stealing joy and hope from those who need it most. Have you been there? You’re not alone. In, Take Back Your Joy: Fighting for Purpose When Life Is More Than You Can Handle , Nicole Jacobsmeyer recounts how she felt defeated and ill-prepared for a dec...

Women are bombarded with narratives about how they should look, behave and live. No woman could meet all these shifting expectations, yet many pour endless energy into the pursuit. And eventually, insecurity sets in as she questions everything about herself, including her worth. Amanda Pittman, author of Stand in Confidence : From Sinking in Insecurity to Rising in Your God-Given Identity, has spe...

Bryn Elliott's life was marked by trauma, abuse, addiction, rape, rebellion, and the tragic murder of her older sister, Abbe. Her father, Bryan, endured years of childhood trauma, the excruciating loss of his 21-year-old daughter Abbe, failed marriages, the near loss of his daughter Bryn, and substantial financial and relational hardship. Both Bryn and Bryan overcame their trauma and rebuilt their...

Bruce B. Miller, author, speaker and pastor of Christ Fellowship Church in McKinney tackles some of the most common questions individuals uncertain of their faith often ask in his new book “The 7 Big Questions: Searching for God, Truth, and Purpose,” released on October 4, 2022.    “We all have big questions about God, our purpose here and why bad things happen,” says Miller. “It’s not enough to b...