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Chonda Pierce has made a career out of turning heartache into laughter, but this time she's telling the parts of the story that were never funny. Nine-time Emmy winner David Sams sits down with the award-winning comedian, TV host, and actress for a candid conversation about the pain behind the punchlines. Chonda opens up about growing up with a bipolar father, losing two sisters and her husband, her stay in a psychiatric hospital, and the estrangement that kept her from her grandsons for over a decade, along with the unexpected reunion that finally happened at a Cracker Barrel. She also shares how Christian counseling, forgiveness, and a hard-won sense of humor helped her heal, and offers hope to anyone walking a similar road. Chonda's book, "Life Is Funny Until It's Not," is available now. This episode first aired in June 2024. https://chonda.org/ #chondapierce #lifeisfunny #cleancomedy #comedian #queenofclean #davidsams #keepthefaith #contagiousinfluencers #contagiousencouragement #crackerbarrel

What does it look like to have every excuse to give up — and refuse every single one? Nick Vujicic was born without arms or legs, and has spent his life proving that the limits everyone expects don't have to be the ones you live by. Nine-time Emmy winner David Sams sits down with Nick for a wide-ranging conversation on faith, resilience, raising a family, and why he believes this generation is being called to something bigger than itself. It's the same spirit driving Nick's new film, No Limbs No Limits, his full story told for the first time with never-before-seen footage — in theaters nationwide September 25. Get your tickets now at nickvfilms.com. This episode first aired January 2024. #nickvujicic #nolimbsnolimits #keepthefaith #contagiousinfluencer #davidsams #limitless #dreambig #lifewithoutlimbs #unstoppable For more contagious encouragement, subscribe and visit KeepTheFaith.com.

Producer Mark Joseph joins host David Sams to talk about the theatrical re-release of Reagan, arriving in theaters September 25 as part of America's 250th anniversary celebrations. Joseph shares the story behind the director's cut — ten additional minutes restored, including an opening line about making America great again that traces back further than most viewers would guess with bipartisan history — and reflects on the winding, almost accidental path that led him to make the film in the first place, starting with a speeding ticket that stranded him overnight in Reagan's hometown of Dixon, Illinois. As Joseph explains, politics happens to be Reagan's eventual occupation, but the movie is about the man: his setbacks, his comeback, and above all, a genuine love story between Ronald and Nancy Reagan that carries the film from beginning to end.  The conversation covers the film's origin story, including how the movie's memorable opening sequence came to Joseph in a dream; what made Dennis Quaid the right choice to play Reagan after years of development with other actors attached; the surprising real-life COVID transmission that happened on set during a pivotal hospital scene; and how AI is already reshaping — and could have reshaped — the filmmaking process. Joseph also discusses working with Mel Gibson on The Passion of the Christ, the making of The Chronicles of Narnia, the film's soundtrack featuring Bob Dylan, Clint Black, Gene Simmons, and Tanya Tucker, and the audience-versus-critics divide that has made Reagan a record-setting outlier on Rotten Tomatoes. Learn more and find theater listings at reagan.movie. #markjoseph #reagan #dennisquaid #ronaldreagan #keepthefaith #contagiousinfluencer

The life of Ronald Reagan proves that setbacks are just the setup for what comes next. Now, the film "Reagan" is returning for a limited run on September 25 as a Director's Cut with 10 minutes of never-before-seen footage, timed to America's 250th anniversary. Dennis Quaid stars as the 40th President in this movie that traces Reagan's path from a small Illinois town, through a Hollywood career that stalled out before it ever really took off, and finally into the White House. Nine-time Emmy winner David Sams sat down with Quaid at the Reagan Ranch itself — the Western White House from 1981 to 1989 — for a conversation that goes well beyond the usual press-junket beats. In this encore episode, Quaid opens up about the nearly two years he spent preparing for the role, tracking down archival footage to nail Reagan's voice and mannerisms across four decades of his life. He talks candidly about his own four marriages and how that shaped his appreciation for the deep partnership between Ronald and Nancy Reagan, calls the film's closing scenes — built around Reagan's real 1994 Alzheimer's diagnosis letter to the American people — an act of real courage, and explains why he sees the movie less as a political statement than a story about faith, failure, and second chances. This episode first aired August 2024. Watch and get tickets at reagan.movie.

What happens when the church you built your whole identity around cancels you overnight — and you come out the other side more honest, more grounded, and more free than you've ever been? In this episode, host David Sams sits down with pastor, author, and grandson of Billy Graham, Tullian Tchividjian, for a wide-ranging, unfiltered conversation about cancel culture inside Christianity, the pressure of growing up in a legacy family, surviving a very public fall from grace, and why he believes the church should be the safest place on earth for broken people — not the scariest. Tullian opens up about the therapy, self-awareness, and years of rebuilding that led him to plant The Sanctuary in Jupiter, Florida — a "recovery place masquerading as a church" — and to a life that's smaller, less polished, and infinitely more real. The conversation is the perfect window into Tullian's brand-new book, Fragments of Freedom — a full-color, coffee-table-style memoir told in 40 short, diary-style entries, complete with custom photography and QR codes linking to the songs and playlists that shaped each page. It's not a devotional and it's not a typical chapter book — it's a raw, unedited look into Tullian's daily life, struggles, and the unexpected places he finds grace. As he puts it, "Grace does not erase the ruins. It meets you in the rubble." 🎧 Listen to the full episode above. 📖 Grab Fragments of Freedom directly from the publisher (cheaper than Amazon!) at fragmentsbook.com ⛪ Learn more about Tullian and The Sanctuary Jupiter at tullian.net #TullianTchividjian #fragmentsbook #thesanctuary #keepthefaith #contagiousinfluencers

American Idol Top 3 finalist and three-time Grammy nominee Danny Gokey joins nine-time Emmy winner David Sams back at the Contagious Influencers of America studio for a heart-to-heart that goes far beyond the music. Recorded just ahead of the release of his album "Sound of Heaven," Danny dives into the Latin culture that shaped his sound, the power of choice in overcoming hard seasons, and the growth of his non-profit "Better Than I Found It," which has rehabilitated homeless shelters and rebuilt lives across the country. He also shares a tender tribute to his friend and fellow Idol alum Mandisa, reflecting on the legacy she left behind. Since this conversation, Gokey has signed with Jay DeMarcus's Red Street Records and released his second single of the year, "Jesus Over Everything" — a song born from the same conviction he talks about in this very interview: that the highs and lows of life only make sense when Jesus is at the center. Revisit this conversation to hear where that conviction started. This episode first aired in July 2024. #dannygokey #jesusovereverything #soundofheaven #redstreetrecords #keepthefaith #davidsams #contagiousinfluencers

David Sams sits down with Army veteran and Engage Your Destiny founder Ben Peterson for a conversation that moves from the battlefields of Iraq to the front lines of the AI revolution. Ben opens up about the darkest chapter of his life serving as a Chaplain's Assistant — losing seven brothers-in-arms in his first week of deployment, and the years of guilt, addiction, and near-suicidal despair that followed — and how that pain became the foundation for a ministry that has now reached over 300,000 service members. From there, the conversation turns to the topic driving Ben's urgent new book, When Intelligence Isn't Human: Navigating Your Faith in the Age of AI. Ben and David dig into what it means to live faithfully in a world where algorithms are shaping how young people think, feel, and even seek guidance — with sobering data on anxiety, isolation, and a generation increasingly turning to chatbots instead of community, mentors, or God. They talk candidly about the AI arms race with China, the explosion of data centers, the rise of AI companionship, and why Ben believes this moment calls for believers to root themselves deeper in Christ rather than retreat from technology altogether. It's a raw, wide-ranging discussion of sacrifice, redemption, and what it takes to stay grounded when the world is moving faster than we can process. Pre-order Ben's book, When Intelligence Isn't Human. #BenPeterson #WhenIntelligenceIsntHuman #army #ai #keepthefaith # contagiousinfluencer #davidsams #engageyourdestiny

Long before she became known as "America's Money Maven," Patrice Washington was a 25-year-old real estate broker with a seven-figure business, matching Range Rovers, and an 800 credit score — and then the 2008 recession took it all. She went from that seven-figure business to sleeping on a family member's couch, and it was in that collapse that she found the framework that would define her life's work: six pillars of true wealth that go far beyond money. In this conversation from our archives with host 9-time Emmy winner David Sams and life coach to the stars Tim Storey, Patrice opens up about the losses that shaped her — including the heartbreaking story of losing her infant son — and how she rebuilt her life, her faith, and eventually her fortune from the ground up. She shares the six pillars that have made her Redefining Wealth Podcast one of the most downloaded shows in the personal-finance space, and explains why she believes real wealth starts on the inside. Since this interview, Patrice's story has kept evolving. She's since divorced, has spoken openly about rebuilding her voice and identity afterward, and continues to co-parent the daughter she talks about in this episode — now a teenager. Her platform has grown into a global movement, with her podcast surpassing 15 million downloads and her teachings reaching audiences well beyond personal finance. This episode first aired August 2018. Listen in for a raw, honest conversation about turning your greatest setback into your greatest comeback. Learn more about Patrice at Home | Patrice Washington - Chase Purpose, Not Money. #patricewashington #redefiningwealth #chasepurposenotmoney #timstorey #davidsams #keepthefaith #contagiousinfluencers

What if the Bible isn't a rulebook, but a love story? Bestselling author, Bible teacher, and self-described "hot mess" Lisa Harper joins host David Sams on this episode of Contagious Influencers of America — and she comes bearing her battered, sticky-note-covered "ADD Bible," full of margin notes from her late father. From there, the conversation opens into some of the most tender and unguarded stories Lisa has shared on the podcast: growing up after her parents' divorce, watching her father's faith transform later in life, the winding seven-year road to adopting her daughter Missy from Haiti, and the season of "breakdown" that taught her — finally — to trust God in the dark. Lisa also talks about her devotional, Jesus: A Scandalously Devoted, Conspicuously Uncool, Super-Transparent Homage to Who Our Savior Is and How Much He Loves Us — a follow-up to her bestseller Life — and explains why, after decades of walking with Jesus, she still wants to fall in love with Him all over again. Expect Lisa's trademark mix of belly laughs and theological depth as she gets honest about counseling, singleness at 60+, and what she calls the "tactile kindness" of God. Since this interview, Lisa has continued writing and teaching — she completed her doctorate at Houston Theological Seminary earlier this year, released several more books, including her latest Song of Songs Bible Study Guide. She continues to host her popular Back Porch Theology podcast. This episode first aired December 2023.

Feeling like your window of opportunity has passed? Let Hope Darst's story be your encouragement to never give up. Hope signed her first record deal at 39, after two decades as a wife, mom, and worship leader at her church in Nashville. In this candid conversation with host David Sams, Hope traces the whole arc: a desperate move to Nashville at 19 that led to a life-altering encounter with God, years of odd jobs, a chance demo burned onto a CD that landed her a gig singing backup for Natalie Grant, and finally the breakout of her signature song "Peace Be Still" — a song she almost never recorded. Along the way, Hope opens up with striking honesty about depression, an eating disorder, postpartum struggles, and her long journey toward healing her relationship with food and self-worth. Since this interview, Hope's beautiful story has only continued to unfold. Her latest release, the live worship album In the Mighty Name (April 2026), marks a return to her roots as a worship leader, featuring the single "Mighty Name of Jesus" alongside fan favorites like "You Can," "The Blood of Jesus," and her rendition of "Give Me Jesus (Upper Room)." Meanwhile the song that made her an overnight sensation, "Peace Be Still," has now surpassed 50 million streams and earned RIAA Gold certification. Tune in for a conversation that proves God's timing is always worth the wait. This episode first aired January 2024. #HopeDarst #PeaceBeStill #IfTheLordBuildsTheHouse #Worship #DavidSams #KeepTheFaith #ContagiousInfluencer #MightyNameof Jesus

The "Queen of Christian Pop" AMY GRANT is so transparent you'll want to kick back, lean in and listen as she talks about life, love, overcoming obstacles and her blended family with Vince Gill like never before. She even gets choked up so bring tissues! Plus, we went back a decade into our archives for a moment KeepTheFaith made happen and nobody else got to capture: the first time Amy ever met a rising star named Lauren Daigle. KeepTheFaith put the two of them in a room together, hit record, and let Amy mentor a wide-eyed young Lauren on navigating her prophetic success — years before the world knew her name. Hosted by 9-time Emmy winner David Sams and life coach to the stars Tim Storey. Since this conversation first aired, Amy's own story has kept unfolding. Amy's marriage to Vince Gill and the blended family she describes here remain the bedrock of her life, she survived a serious bike accident and open-heart surgery, and channeled that recovery into her first album of original songs in 13 years, The Me That Remains, released this May. She's back on the road through 2026 — and the wisdom she gives Lauren in this episode sounds a lot like the wisdom she's still living by today. This episode first aired December 2018.

When disaster strikes without warning, hope has to show up fast — and for millions around the world, it arrives on a Convoy of Hope truck. Convoy of Hope is a global, faith-based, nonprofit organization that delivers emergency relief to communities devastated by disaster. Right now, their teams are on the ground in Venezuela, where on June 24 two catastrophic earthquakes of magnitude 7.2 and 7.5, among the strongest to hit the country in more than a century — struck, leaving more than 1,700 confirmed dead, thousands injured, and thousands more still missing. Convoy of Hope is meeting essential needs bringing help and hope to families walking through unthinkable tragedy.  KeepTheFaith Charities has been proud to support Convoy of Hope efforts and other "boots on the ground" organizations providing life-sustaining relief over the years. In this encore episode, host David Sams goes one-on-one with Hal Donaldson, founder of Convoy of Hope and author of "What Really Matters" — from the tragedy that shattered his childhood, to a life-changing conversation with Mother Teresa, to the pickup truck loaded with $300 of groceries that sparked one of America's largest charities. Along the way, Hal reveals how to answer God's call to serve a hurting world without sacrificing your health, your family, or yourself. To donate now to Venezuela earthquake relief, go to ConvoyofHope.org. You can make a difference!

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 as a newlywed and releasing her book "The Love Everybody Wants." A lot has changed since this conversation was first recorded — and it's exactly why we're bringing it back. Madi is now a mom! She and her husband, Grant Troutt, welcomed daughter Hosanna Rose in January 2025, after relocating from Texas to Nashville. And she's making headlines again, opening up in recent interviews about biblical submission in her marriage — sharing that submission doesn't mean a wife is weak, silenced, or unequal, but is rooted in mutual respect, trust, and a shared pursuit of the Lord, and that "when you love God the most, then you can love your spouse the best." The foundation for all of it? You'll hear it right here. Before the husband, the baby girl, and the growing platform, Madi had to come to the realization that God's love is really all she needed. She shares the first date that had her calling her mom to say "I just met my husband," why a spouse is meant to compliment you rather than complete you, the dating red flags you can't afford to ignore, and how God can use every rejection and closed door to redirect you to something greater. Whether you're single, dating, engaged, married, or somewhere in between, this is the love story behind the love story — and proof that the love you're looking for already exists. #madiprew #staytrue #keepthefaith #davidsams #contagiousinfluencer #madisonprewetttroutt

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 reflect on the song's remarkable 40-year journey — from being written in the back of a tour bus in 1983 to becoming the only song ever charted in the top five across all genres of music. Lee shares stories from nearly 300 days a year on the road, performing at two presidential inaugurations at the Lincoln Memorial, touring with Bob Hope on his final USO Christmas tour, and what it felt like to watch "God Bless The U.S.A." surge back to the top after 9/11 and the Gulf War. They also dig into Lee's nonprofit work with Helping a Hero — a Houston-based foundation that has built over 200 specially adapted homes for wounded warriors — and the story behind the limited edition "God Bless The U.S.A. Bible," a leather-bound King James Bible featuring Lee's handwritten chorus lyrics alongside the Constitution, Bill of Rights, Declaration of Independence, and Pledge of Allegiance. This Fourth of July Lee's message rings as true as ever: America is the greatest country on the planet — and faith, unity, and hope will always carry us through. #leegreenwood #godblessthesua #america250 #july4 #keepthefaith #davidsams #contagiousinfluencer

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 Sniper. After Chris was tragically murdered at a shooting range in Texas, Taya chose to transform her grief into purpose, honoring his memory as a bestselling author, speaker, and champion for military families. In this timeless conversation with host David Sams, Taya opens up about turning fear into faith, tragedy into triumph, and suffering into strength — all while raising her children with the values of the warrior spirit Chris embodied. Her story is a living reminder of what American resilience truly looks like. As we mark 250 years of the American dream, Taya Kyle's journey reminds us that freedom has a cost — and that the families who bear that cost deserve our deepest gratitude and support. Learn more about Taya, her books "American Spirit," "American Wife" and her foundation, Taya and Chris Kyle Family – Service Marriage Strong, which serves military and first responder families at tackf.org.