Kingdom & Culture with Mike Whitford

Psalms 122:6 says, "Pray for the peace of Jerusalem: May those who love you be secure." Politics aside, it seems Scripture consistently calls believers to bless the Jewish people. Yet in the midst of world conflict, specifically in the Middle East, there has been a recent increase of Antisemitism not just in the world at large, but in America as well! It is important for kind-hearted people, and e...

Songwriter and worship leader, Jon Shabaglian shares his heart for reconciliation, from being selected as a starring musician in remembrance of the Armenian Genocide in Turkey, to raising up and training young musicians through his non-profit organization, Psalmist Mission. Through Spirit-led music and creativity, Jon calls us to align our hearts and minds with Christ, forgive those who have ill w...

Have you ever asked God to intervene on your behalf, only to seem like He's 'taking forever' to answer? Have you ever been in that place in your life where you've asked God, "WHY?" In this episode of K&C, Dr. Mark Batterson helps us understand God's heart to bless us while we wait for Him to 'move'. We discuss Pastor Mark's Christian theological contributions to the recent "DAVID" animated mov...

For the past 30+ years, churches and Christian leaders all across America have been trying to unlock the seemingly unsolvable door on how to relate to and reach college students and young adults. Difficult? Yes. Impossible? No. National Assemblies Of God College and Young Adults Director, Reverend Josh Wellborn, joins us in a two-part discussion on how to address this anomaly of relating to and re...

For the past 30+ years, churches and Christian leaders all across America have been trying to unlock the seemingly unsolvable door on how to relate to and reach college students and young adults. Difficult? Yes. Impossible? No. National Assemblies Of God College and Young Adults Director, Reverend Josh Wellborn, joins us in a two-part discussion on how to address this anomaly of relating to and re...

After serving 40 years in the US Coast Guard all the way up to the rank of Rear Admiral, and another two years in the White House in Washington, DC as the Advisor to the President for Counterterrorism and Homeland Security, Doug Fears realized his health was declining and he was only in his mid 50’s. He needed a solution. So he began to research natural remedies and methods to gain back his...

What do Disney's "The Lion King", Moses from the Bible, and a gifted artist who immigrated from China and Taiwan all have in common? Faith. In this episode, Davy Lui shares his unlikely story of overcoming the odds as a top-tier Disney Animator, specifically for "Mulan" and "The Lion King," and how God gave him his own media company, KenduFilms & KenduKids. Davy's unique testimony and story fr...

"Leadership is lonely." -Kobe Bryant. In this episode, Reverend Alberto Bello, Lead Pastor of The Collective Church in Bakersfield, CA, shares with us some hard, but necessary truths about spiritual leadership in light of his book, " 10 Things They Didn't Tell Me About Leadership. " Pastor Alberto helps us embrace the reality of difficulty in church leadership, while also remaining hopeful for God...

For centuries, people have been asking one of humanity's and history's most important questions: Did Jesus REALLY die for the sins of the world and resurrect from the dead, just as the Bible says He did? Dr. Tommy Casarez, a University Professor of Church History and Theology, as well as the Lead Pastor of Hearts on Fire Church in Covina, CA, helps us answer this life-impacting question with truth...

What is love, according to the Bible? Casey & Meygan have a fresh, unconventional, but biblical approach to romance and marriage. Their new book, "The Marriage Habit," takes a fresh, accessible approach to building a healthier, more intentional relationship—one simple habit at a time. This will be great both for dating couples intending to get married, as well as married couples! You'll...

What is love, according to the Bible? Casey & Meygan have a fresh, unconventional, but biblical approach to romance and marriage. Their new book,  "The Marriage Habit"  takes a fresh, accessible approach to building a healthier, more intentional relationship—one simple habit at a time. This will be great both for dating couples intending to get married, as well as married coupl...

In 2020, God awakened Joel Mott and a few of his friends to the fact that their generation was on 'lockdown' and suffering for lack of connection with God and each other. So, Joel did what any person desperate for a move of God would do: He called his generation to worship and love God with all their heart, soul, mind, and strength, and in person without fear! Since then, Joel and his friends have...

While riding his bike on the PCH in the early morning of October 20, 2025, Pastor Eric Williams, husband of Robyn and father of 4 wonderful children, was struck by a reckless driver and tragically killed. Eric's loss made local and national news. This is the kind of event that leaves many asking the age-old question, "why God?" Eric's sister, Alli Joy Vazquez joins us on K&C to share Eric's st...

John 1:1-5 (NIV) says, 1 In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. 2 He was with God in the beginning. 3 Through him all things were made; without him nothing was made that has been made. 4 In him was life, and that life was the light of men. 5 The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it.  In this episod...

When is it acceptable to listen to Christmas music? Before Thanksgiving? After? Not until December 1st?? Lead Pastor of Harbor Trinity, Justin Chandler, and Lead Pastor of Legacy Church, Kyle Popineau, both help us to explore the answer to this iconic question as well as the true meaning of Christmas and Advent. This is a fun, light-hearted, and yet meaningful episode to help you get in the "Chris...

Everybody is struggling somewhere, with something or someone. The reality of difficulties and challenges in this life are never ending. But it doesn't mean we are 'cooked'. In fact, the opposite! In this episode of K&C, NAIA Hall of Fame and NCAA Women's Basketball Coach, Russ Davis reminds us that every struggle we are faced with presents an opportunity to overcome the odds, and, as Romans 8:...

You've probably heard the phrases, "Beauty is in the eye of the beholder," or "Beauty is only skin deep." Is it though? Proverbs 31:30 reminds us, "Charm is deceitful and beauty is passing..."  The truth is, beauty in the eyes of God is much deeper than our skin. in this episode of K&C, Social Media Influencer, Ashley Little, reminds us that true beauty really does come from within, even...

Jesus said in Matthew 11:28-30,  28 “Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. 29 Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. 30 For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.”  It is no surprise that with all of our amazing technology, we are more stressed out...

“What is God’s will for my life? What is my purpose for living? Why am I here?” World renowned Social Scientist & author of over 30 books, including “The Call”, Dr. Os Guinness joins K&C, along with University & Theology Professor, Dr. Richard Park to answer these and other existential questions about life, according to the word of God and “God&lsquo...

As we honor our veterans, US Coast Guard Rear Admiral Doug Fears joins K&C. Admiral Fears served 40 years in the US Coast Guard and some of his last few years as the White House Homeland Security and Counterterrorism Director Advisor to the President of the United States from 2017 to 2019. Please join us as Admiral Fears shares timeless leadership advice that he learned as a veteran, as well a...

“It’s a bird! It’s a plane! No! It’s SUPERMAN! It seems like everybody today is searching for a hero and to be “saved” from our otherwise difficult situations in life. In this episode of K&C, returning guest and “all things superhero, sci-fi & fantasy specialist,” Aaron Welty, unpacks the most recent Superman movie, Directed by James Gunn, an...

Can't we all just get along? Yes! Dr. Kara Powell and Rev. Mike DeVito both share a passion for connecting the generations in their mutually held Christian faith. Kara is a nationally renowned author of "Sticky Faith" and the Executive Director of the Fuller Theological Seminary Youth Institute and Rev. Mike DeVito is a former youth pastor of 40+ years and advocate for both students and seniors an...

It is no surprise that the recent and tragic death of Charlie Kirk has impacted an entire nation, culture, and even the world! In light of this tragedy, regardless of one's political views, our guest, Sarah Stock, a TPUSA chapter founder and president at her Christian university, as well as a GenZ social media commentator and influencer with over 130,000 followers, brings a unique and insightful p...

Why stand for Christian Faith today? How do I answer tough questions and/or engage difficult topics about the Bible with my friends and family? How can/do I represent Jesus in today's culture? If you've ever asked any of these questions or they at least interest you, you're in the right place! Dr. Sean McDowell unpacks these questions and others as he highlights his recent book "Apologetics for an...

Can Faith and Movies or Christianity and the theatre arts get along? Sue Berkompas answers this question and more on K&C! Sue is the current Chair and Professor for Theatre Arts at Vanguard University, as well as owns her own theatre company in Southern California. Approved by nationally ranked theatre companies, Sue has been involved in the theatre arts for over 30 years. She creatively integ...