Advertise on podcast: The Stakscast with Erick Stakelbeck

We all face giants—fear, failure, rejection, betrayal or a dream that seems impossible. But what if the battle in front of you is actually preparing you for your purpose? Pastor Samuel Rodriguez joins Erick Stakelbeck to discuss his powerful new book, Goliath Never Wins: Five Rock-Solid Strategies for Slaying Your Giants, and the lessons we can learn from David’s journey from the shepherd’s field to the battlefield and ultimately the throne. Pastor Sam reveals why knowing your identity in Christ comes before confronting your Goliath, how fear can keep you from your calling, why seasons of waiting are part of God’s preparation—and why you sometimes have to remove the labels and expectations other people have placed on you. Plus, Erick shares how he confronted his own fear before traveling into war-torn Ukraine, and Pastor Sam explains why faith doesn't mean you'll never experience fear—it means fear doesn't get the final word.  The giant may look impossible. The battle may look overwhelming. But Goliath never gets the final word. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Donald Trump was out of office, banned from major social media platforms and facing opposition from inside and outside his own party. Four years later, he was back in the White House. How did it happen—and what changed along the way? Victor Davis Hanson joins Erick Stakelbeck for a conversation about his new book, The Counter-Revolution: The Fall and Rise of Donald Trump and the MAGA Movement. Hanson lays out how President Trump rebuilt his political movement, what he believes Trump learned during his four years out of office, and why he describes the second Trump administration as a “counter-revolution” aimed at changing institutions that conservatives have long criticized. From Trump’s political low point to his return to the presidency, Victor Davis Hanson breaks down the story behind one of the most consequential political comebacks in modern American politics. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Two major Trump administration officials join Erick Stakelbeck for conversations about issues hitting Americans where they live—from healthcare and prescription drug costs to government spending, energy and the environment. Dr. Mehmet Oz, Administrator of the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services, shares about efforts to lower prescription drug prices, crack down on billions of dollars in alleged healthcare fraud he has exposed and expand access to medical care in rural America. Then, EPA Administrator Lee Zeldin tackles cleaner drinking water, government waste he has uncovered from previous administrations, advanced recycling, American energy and the rapid expansion of A.I. data centers Two conversations with decisions that could directly impact your health, your money and your everyday life on The Stakscast.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

What does the American Dream look like today? Small Business Administrator Kelly Loeffler and Agriculture Secretary Brooke Rollins join Erick Stakelbeck for two powerful conversations about the people who build, grow and feed America. Administrator Loeffler shares about American manufacturing, the resurgence of small business, skilled trades and why she believes hard work and entrepreneurship still offer a path to opportunity—even as A.I. transforms the economy. Then, Secretary Rollins gets personal about growing up in rural Texas, her farming roots and her work involving America’s farmers and ranchers. She also opens up about her Christian faith and the Bible study she leads with members of the Trump administration. From Main Street to the American heartland, it’s a conversation about faith, hard work, opportunity—and whether the American Dream can endure for the next generation. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

America’s security and prosperity start with two things: protecting the homeland and having the energy to power it. Secretary Markwayne Mullin joins Erick Stakelbeck to discuss the Trump administration’s approach to border security, deportations, sanctuary cities, drug cartels and the evolving threats facing the U.S. homeland. He also explains his view of how the Department of Homeland Security is responding as criminal and terrorist organizations adapt their tactics. Then, Secretary of Energy Chris Wright sits down with Erick to discuss American oil and gas production, Venezuela, the Strait of Hormuz and what those developments could mean for energy prices. Secretary Wright also weighs in on expanding domestic production, the future of coal and fusion energy, bringing blue-collar energy and manufacturing jobs back to America, and the massive energy demands created by A.I. and data centers. From securing the homeland to powering the American economy, Stakscast brings you conversations about decisions that could impact your safety, your job and your wallet. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Sometimes the best advice is the advice we spend years ignoring. Fox News' Trace Gallagher joins Erick Stakelbeck to discuss his new book, Turns Out They Were Right All Along: Life Lessons I Learned…Eventually, and the funny, surprising and sometimes hard-earned wisdom he's picked up along the way. From lessons learned through sports and his years as a professional water skier to marriage, fatherhood and his career at Fox News, Trace reveals how the experiences we don't fully understand in the moment often prepare us for what's ahead. Funny,personal and full of wisdom—this is Trace Gallagher like you haven't seen him before. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this extraordinary Stakscast, bestselling author Jonathan Cahn joins Erick Stakelbeck to unpack the stunning revelations behind his newest blockbuster, The Altar of Pergamum. Cahn reveals the mysteries over the rise of Nazi Germany, Marxism, Communism, the Holocaust, the Cold War, the nuclear age, globalism, and even today's prophetic landscape.   Blending biblical revelation, historical investigation, and gripping storytelling, Jonathan Cahn takes viewers on a breathtaking journey across centuries, revealing what he believes is one of the greatest spiritual mysteries ever uncovered. While the forces of darkness are real, this conversation ultimately points to the victory of Jesus Christ, the preservation of Israel, and God's sovereign plan for history. Behind every empire is a spiritual battle. Behind every prophecy is a promise. And in the end—the throne of Satan falls, but the Kingdom of God stands forever. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In an exclusive interview from Kyiv, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy sits down with Erick Stakelbeck for a powerful conversation about Russia's ongoing war against Ukraine &Vladimir Putin's refusal to agree to a ceasefire. Zelenskyy describes Russia's continuing missile and drone attacks on Ukrainian civilians and makes a direct appeal for additional American Patriot interceptors, saying Ukraine needs a minimum of 300 missiles in a winter defense package to protect families, schools and cities. He also explains why Ukraine is increasingly taking the fight back to Russia while insisting Ukrainian forces do not intentionally target civilians. President Zelenskyy also sounds the alarm over Moscow's growing relationships with China, Iran and North Korea, detailing Iranian drones, North Korean weapons and troops, and China's economic and technological support for Russia. Plus, Zelenskyy discusses Ukraine's National Prayer Breakfast and the destruction of churches in Russian-occupied territories. From the heart of Kyiv, this is a candid conversation about war, peace, faith—and what happens next in the fight for Ukraine. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

For years, millions of Americans welcomed the Robertson family into their homes through the phenomenon that was Duck Dynasty. But for Jep and Jess Robertson, the story didn't end when the cameras stopped rolling. Now, they're stepping into an entirely new season—and they're putting faith, family and trusting God at the center of it all. Jep and Jess join Erick for a revealing and deeply personal Stakscast conversation about their new Great American Pure Flix series, Jep & Jess: Beyond the Bayou, which follows their family's leap from Louisiana to Texas and the new adventure God has placed before them. But this conversation goes far beyond television. Jep opens up about the wild years that nearly derailed his life, the family intervention that changed everything, and what ultimately led him to truly surrender his life to Christ. Jess shares her own struggles with identity and body image—and why she now pours God's truth into their daughters in a culture dominated by social media and impossible standards. Nearly 25 years, five children and four grandchildren later, Jep and Jess reveal what has kept their marriage together through the difficult seasons: forgiveness, grace, godly counsel and putting Jesus Christ first. From Duck Dynasty to Beyond the Bayou, the Robertson family's message hasn't changed: Faith first. Family always. And when God says go—you trust Him with where the road leads. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Riley Gaines has become one of America's most outspoken voices in the fight to protect women and girls in sports—and she says the battle is far from over. The 12-time NCAA All-American swimmer joins Erick to react to a major Supreme Court victory allowing states to protect women's athletics based on sex. But Gaines warns that with nearly half the country still lacking such protections, fairness and safety for female athletes can still depend on where they live. Riley also weighs in on WNBA star Sophie Cunningham speaking out on keeping men out of Women’s Sports.  Then, she takes viewers back to the moment that changed her life: competing against the male athlete, Lia Thomas at the 2022 NCAA championships and being required to share a locker room with a biological male. Gaines describes the experience as one of profound humiliation and betrayal—and explains why it ultimately compelled her to speak out. Her message to young women facing pressure: “Courage is contagious.” Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Baseball gave Darryl Strawberry fame, championships, and fortune—but none of it could heal the pain he carried deep inside. In one of the most powerful and transparent conversations you'll hear this year, the eight-time All-Star and World Series champion joins Erick Stakelbeck to share the incredible story behind his new book, Another Life: Discovering the Healing Power of Purpose on My Long Journey from Player to Preacher. From growing up in a violent home in South Central Los Angeles to becoming one of baseball's biggest superstars, Darryl reveals the hidden struggles that nearly destroyed him—and how Jesus Christ gave him a completely new life. Today, Darryl Strawberry says his greatest purpose isn't hitting home runs—it's helping people discover the hope, healing, and freedom that only Christ can bring. His remarkable testimony is proof that no one is beyond God's grace, no matter how broken their past may seem. Fame couldn't save him. Money couldn't satisfy him. But one encounter with Jesus Christ changed everything. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

America's border has undergone one of the most dramatic turnarounds in modern history. In this exclusive conversation, Border Czar Tom Homan joins Erick Stakelbeck from the White House to reveal how the Trump administration transformed what was once the worst border crisis in U.S. history into what Homan calls the most secure southern border America has ever had. Homan explains why catch-and-release is over, illegal crossings have plummeted, and ICE is conducting record numbers of arrests and deportations despite unprecedented political opposition, lawsuits, and attacks against federal agents. He also addresses the misinformation surrounding immigration enforcement and why he believes the American people deserve to hear what is actually happening on the ground. Homan delivers a blunt message: America's border is finally under control—but the work isn't finished. From the search for nearly 150,000 missing migrant children and the ongoing effort to locate every one of them to the dismantling the cartels to removing dangerous criminal aliens and protecting the homeland from terrorist threats, he says the mission now is to finish what was started. The border is secure. The cartels are hurting. And America is taking its sovereignty back. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

America is at a crossroads—and the decisions made over the next year could determine the future of the Republic. White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt joins Erick Stakelbeck for an exclusive conversation on President Trump's America First agenda, the battle for election integrity, the rise of socialism inside the Democratic Party, securing the border, confronting Iran, and why the 2026 midterm elections could shape America's future for generations. Leavitt explains why President Trump is demanding passage of the SAVE America Act requiring proof of citizenship and voter ID are essential to restoring confidence in America's elections. She also warns that the radical left has moved far beyond traditional liberalism, embracing destructive socialist and communist ideas that threaten the nation's founding principles. Leavitt also shares why she believes America is experiencing a historic comeback under President Trump—and why the battle to preserve faith, freedom, law and order, and the American Dream is far from over. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

President Trump has made one thing unmistakably clear: Iran's regime will never be allowed to obtain a nuclear weapon. In this exclusive conversation, U.S. Ambassador to Israel Mike Huckabee joins Erick Stakelbeck from Jerusalem to discuss the rapidly escalating showdown with Tehran, the future of the Abraham Accords, and why the Middle East may be on the verge of its biggest geopolitical transformation in decades. Ambassador Huckabee explains why the Iranian regime has ignored every opportunity for peace, why President Trump's policy of peace through strength has fundamentally changed the rules of engagement, and why the regime is facing mounting military, economic, and diplomatic pressure. Ambassador Huckabee also shares a powerful reminder that the conflict in the Middle East is not only geopolitical—it is spiritual. As the region stands at a historic crossroads, he explains why America's relationship with Israel remains vital to peace, security, and the future of the free world. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

As Iran’s regime rejects negotiations and continues threatening Israel, American forces, and international shipping, Senator Tom Cotton argues that the United States must finish its operational campaign, dismantle Tehran’s remaining missile and drone capabilities, and maintain the blockade depriving the regime of vital terror funding. Cotton, who chairs the Senate Intelligence Committee, also warns that Communist China is pursuing the largest peacetime military buildup in history, rapidly expanding its nuclear arsenal, and seeking to replace the United States as the world’s dominant superpower. He explains why America must reduce its dangerous dependence on China for medicines, medical devices, and other critical supplies. From Iran and China to socialism gaining ground inside the United States, Senator Cotton delivers a clear warning: America must remain strong, confident, and resolute—or risk inviting a direct challenge from its enemies. The threats are gathering. This is no time for weakness. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices