The A.R. Bernard Show

Episode Description: On this episode of The AR Bernard Show, we sit down with Pastor Gabriel Salguero, founder of The Gathering in Orlando, Florida, and president of the National Association of Latino Evangelical Churches (NALEC). This pastor duo discuss the rapid growth of the Latino evangelical community in America, its influence on politics, and the unique challenges Latino faith leaders face i...

Episode Description: In this episode of The AR Bernard Show, we sit down with Will Packer, one of Hollywood’s most influential producers, whose films have grossed over $1 billion worldwide. From blockbuster hits to groundbreaking television, Packer has mastered the art of storytelling—but his journey wasn’t easy. Highlights from our conversation include: The Power of Faith & Grit: Packer shares ho...

Episode Description: In this episode of The AR Bernard Show, I sit down with Reverend Tony Lowden, a faith leader, criminal justice reform advocate, and former pastor to both President Jimmy Carter and First Lady Rosalynn Carter at Maranatha Baptist Church in Plains, Georgia. As the first African American pastor of the church, Lowden shares his perspective on President Carter’s deep commitment to...

Episode Description: At the tender age of nine, Nicky Cruz wanted to end his life. This was during a traumatic time when his mother disowned him and made him feel so unloved that suicide felt like the only solution. Until, his brother cried out to save him. Since that day, Nicky's life has taken many twists and turns, but it's God that finally got him on the straight and narrow. This transformatio...

Episode Description: In this episode, host AR Bernard sits down with Carl Lentz, an influential executive coach, speaker, and podcaster, whose impact has spanned the globe through his sermons, books, and conferences. Known for his work in personal mindset growth and organizational strategies, Lentz shares insights from his transformative journey, including his time as the founder of Hillsong Churc...

Episode Description: In this episode of The AR Bernard Show, host AR Bernard sits down with the outspoken and charismatic Stephen A. Smith. Known for his fiery takes and candid opinions, Stephen opens up about his remarkable career journey, his deeply rooted faith, and the values that have shaped his life. The two dive into Stephen’s bestselling memoir, Straight Shooter, exploring the lessons he’s...

As the holiday season approaches and we reflect on the year’s end, The AR Bernard Show revisits powerful conversations about faith’s influence on our lives and careers. Comedian Rickey Smiley shared how faith sustained him after the tragic loss of his firstborn son. Award-winning singer couple Israel Houghton and Adrienne Bailon-Houghton explored the challenges of being professional Christians. Di...

On this episode of The AR Bernard Show, we are thrilled to welcome Cheryl McKissack Daniel, a distinguished CEO, entrepreneur, and author. As President and CEO of McKissack & McKissack—the nation’s oldest minority- and women-owned design and construction firm—Cheryl carries forward a remarkable legacy that began in 1905 with her ancestors. Under her visionary leadership, the company has become a d...

Angela Yee joins AR Bernard for an engaging conversation about her remarkable career journey and the lessons she's learned along the way. From her pivotal role as co-host on The Breakfast Club, where she became a beloved voice in radio, to her decision to branch out and host her own show, Angela shares her experiences navigating the challenges and opportunities of a 20-year career in media. Togeth...

This week on The AR Bernard Show, AR Bernard is joined by Lisa Fields, a trailblazer in Christian apologetics and education. As the founder of the Jude 3 Project, Lisa is committed to equipping Black Christians with resources to address faith-related challenges and defend their beliefs in a culturally relevant context. With a deep understanding of theology and a passion for engaging younger genera...

Welcome to a special episode of The AR Bernard Show, showcasing some of this year’s most memorable moments. As the year draws to a close, AR Bernard reflects with a heart full of gratitude. He feels deeply blessed—not only for his loved ones and confidantes but also for the loyal audience who has accompanied him on this journey. This episode revisits some of the most impactful conversations, focus...

Imagine discovering that you really don’t know who you are, so you begin your search for your true identity, embarking on an eye-opening and complicated journey. In this episode of The AR Bernard Show, correspondent and author Michelle Miller joins Pastor Bernard to discuss her book, Belonging, which explores themes of identity, family, and reconnection. Michelle opens up about her personal journe...

In this insightful episode of The AR Bernard Show, A.R. Bernard sits down with two influential thought leaders to discuss the current landscape of American politics. Denise Hamilton, a DEI expert and author, shares her perspective on the state of inclusivity, the role of unconscious biases, and offers candid views on Vice President Kamala Harris and former President Donald Trump. Joe Battaglia, a...

Is there a place for comedy in journalism? In this engaging episode of The AR Bernard Show, AR Bernard is joined by stand-up comedian, actor, and Emmy-nominated writer and producer, Roy Wood Jr. The two dive into Roy’s exciting new CNN show, Have I Got News For You, where comedy and journalism collide. Together, they explore the power of humor in addressing serious political issues, the role of co...

With the presidential election less than two months away, we welcome the esteemed Dr. Michael Eric Dyson to The A.R. Bernard Show for a profound discussion on the intersection of race, religion, and politics in America. In this timely episode, the conversation delves into how evangelicalism shapes political discourse and the crucial role racial identity plays in determining electoral outcomes. Dr....

In this episode of The A.R. Bernard Show, comedian, actor, and radio host Rickey Smiley joins Pastor Bernard in an open and honest discussion about the difficult journey of moving through grief, and the healing power of humor. Smiley reflects on the personal losses that have shaped his life, including the heartbreaking death of his son, and how his experiences are, unfortunately, relatable to many...

As the presidential election season intensifies, familiar voices are stepping up to share their views, and today’s guest, Emmy-nominated actress Yvette Nicole Brown, is no exception. Yvette is a long-time advocate for voter education, union rights, and caregivers. In this episode, she opens up about how her faith shapes her political views, her career, and everything else in her life. She also sha...

In this episode, A.R. Bernard is joined by two insightful guests, Sophia Nelson and John Carter, to discuss the state of the Republican Party, the changing demographics of America, and how to build diverse faith-based organizations that embrace multiple backgrounds and cultural perspectives. Sophia Nelson, a highly respected journalist and political commentator, regularly appears on CNN and MSNBC...

Leon Lacey, a renowned film composer, music producer, and conductor, has made a name for himself with his innovative fusion of classical music and contemporary genres, blending different musical styles from different cultures, countries and centuries. Lacey’s work has established him as a versatile and influential force in the music industry. Influenced by legendary figures like Quincy Jones, his...

CeCe Winans, the most-awarded female gospel artist of all time, with numerous Grammy, Dove, and Stellar Awards, joins Pastor A.R. Bernard for a compelling conversation. They discuss her legendary family, the influence of Detroit on her life and career, the complexities of racial identity in the music industry, and the essential role of faith in her work.

Stephen A. Smith is never one to hold back—whether he's discussing sports, culture, or even presidential politics. As an accomplished commentator and journalist (and outspoken critic of Dallas Cowboys fans), Smith isn’t afraid of tough conversations. In this episode, A.R. Bernard and Smith dive into Vice President Kamala Harris' campaign and her communications strategy (spoiler: Smith believes Har...

Detroit-born, six-time Grammy-winning singer Bebe Winans joins A.R. Bernard for an insightful conversation. Winans, one of 10 multi-talented siblings, shares how he and his sister CeCe Winans rose to stardom in an unconventional way. From their roots in a conservative hometown church choir to their time with Jim and Tammy Faye Bakker's PTL, the Winans' journey raises intriguing questions about cul...

Christine Swanson is a prolific director, screenwriter, and producer. Born in South Korea, she moved to the U.S. without speaking English. Today, she is a master storyteller. She sat down with Pastor A.R. Bernard to discuss diversity in America, how Spike Lee inspired her career, and the role of faith in her art.

***NOTE: This episode was recorded before President Biden ended his campaign. Adrienne Bailon-Houghton and Israel Houghton sit down with A.R. Bernard to explore the alluring and complex realm of social media, the confluence of entertainment and journalism, presidential politics, parenting, and their personal faith journeys. Adrienne first captivated audiences as a teenager with Disney's The Cheeta...

Jamie Hector, who played Marlo Stanfield on HBO’s “The Wire,” sits down with A.R. Bernard to discuss acting, writing, raising children and navigating social media. Hector shares his experiences working in Hollywood and maintaining a moral compass. The Brooklyn-born graduate of the Lee Strasberg Theatre and Film Institute delves into the seriousness of his craft and how he leads with empathy to con...