Advertise on podcast: Connections with Mike Thom and Colleen Houde

Jessica Morris, the Australian journalist behind the investigation into former Newsboys and DC Talk frontman Michael Tait, says her intent was never to dismantle the Christian music industry, but to help protect those within it. Morris’s reporting, published by The Roys Report, contains sexual misconduct allegations from multiple men against Tait — allegations that, at the time of the interview, had not been tested in court. But they were the result of years of careful investigation and corroboration. Today on Connections, Morris shares the details of her two and a half year investigation. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

After a three-year wait, fans of When Hope Calls will be able to watch the show on Pure Flix and will be introduced to some new characters.  Canadians Cindy Busby and Christopher Russell join the cast for Season 2 and are excited for the opportunity. Today on Connections, the duo shares what it's like to be a part of this show.  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

David Leonard recently traded his studio for a secluded cabin to record his latest album. Leonard and a few of his close musical friends packed up what they needed and headed out to an old cabin in a secluded area in Franklin, Tennessee. Today on Connections, David talks about that experience and his new album, Just Jesus. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A new initiative is underway to bring the world together in prayer and worship. Gather25, led by a collection of ministries, partners, and leaders, hopes to see every Christian from every denomination from every continent come together for a full day of worship, repentance and commissioning in 2025.  Jennie Allen, Bible teacher, bestselling author and visionary behind Gather25 shares what Gather25 is and how she hopes it will bring the global church together. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A new film, which follows the clash of two families in the fall of civilization and the plans God has in store is being well received nationwide. Based on the best-selling book series, Black Autumn, by Jeff Kirkham and Jason Ross, this new post-apocalyptic family survival drama directed by Ben Smallbone, follows the families, an ultra-prepared, wealthy family and the military veteran family they’ve hired for property security, to a homestead. Jesse Hutch, a Canadian-born actor plays the role of an ex-Green Beret in Homestead.    Today on Connections, Jesse talks about how he got into acting and his latest role in Homestead. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

January is Alzheimer's awareness month. For Manitoba resident, Linda Wiebe, it's a time to share her family's story in hopes of helping others facing a similar diagnosis. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Open Doors Canada has released their 2025 World Watch List. The World Watch list ranks the 50 countries in the world where it's most dangerous to live as a Christian.  Garry Stagg, executive director of Open Doors Canada shares what they discovered and why it's so important to share this list with Canadians See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A new podcast is giving listeners a different perspective on the Old Testament.  Created by Yael Eckstein president and CEO of the International Fellowship of Christians and Jews, The Chosen People offers a cinematic audio experience, bringing to life the timeless stories of the Old Testament and highlighting their relevance to Christian and Jewish audiences. In this episode of Connections, Yael Eckstein shares more about the podcast and its inspiration. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

AI can be a touchy subject, especially regarding its place in the church. Jason Moore author of AI and the Church: A Clear Guide for the Curious and Courageous says AI is neither inherently good nor inherently evil. He says it is a neutral tool capable of achieving remarkable feats when used wisely. Today on Connections, Jason shares positive ways we can use AI in the church See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

With a loud culture that promotes individualism and materialism, one Christian author is sharing wisdom on parenting a grateful generation.  Today on Connections, Kristen Welch shares how we can say the ultimate yes as a family by bringing up faith-filled kids who love God and others.  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

 With more than 850 pieces of original artwork, Ruth Chou Simons’ newest book, Beholding and Becoming, is destined to become an heirloom classic. This beautifully illustrated book is an intimate exploration of the many ways we can experience God more fully in our ordinary lives. Simons challenges readers to turn their eyes from quick fixes, self-help, and the filtered highlight reels of social media. Instead, she calls them to look to Christ to be transformed by setting their hearts, minds, and affections on Him, whatever their present circumstances may be. *Originally aired Aug. 6, 2019* See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

With Christian and Gospel music awards taking a recent hit in Canada, the Gospel Music Industry Hub has stepped up to recognize artists nationwide. Cheryle Dueck, founder of GMIHub shares they will do this today on Connections. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

When it comes to the Bible, picking it up and reading it from front to back can be a task for many. RevelationMedia has found a way around this. "We took about 300 scriptures from Genesis to Revelation, and we compiled a nine-minute animated video of the salvation message," said CEO of RevelationMedia, Steve Cleary. Filled with eye-catching artwork and vivid colour, The Real Story of Jesus has been watched over 2.7 million times and over 180,000 people have decided to follow Christ. Today on Connections, Steve Cleary shares why they did this and talks about their partnership with Voice of the Martyrs Canada. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On a hunt to find new wholesome reading material for his children, a Saskatchewan resident decided to take things into his own hands.  Jason Weening, podcaster, speaker and father of 10 kids between four months and 18 years old, decided to add author to his list of titles.  He recently released a book called Riders of the Lost Reptiles: Danger in the Jungle. Today on Connections he tells us about the book and the inspiration behind it.  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Fulfilling God's calling can be challenging for many. In most cases, this means taking some huge leaps in life. Bible teacher, podcaster and author, Rachel G. Scott wants to help you take that next step.  Today on Connections, she shares how you can start taking those leaps and experience God's faithfulness as you respond to his call. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.