Advertise on podcast: The Unbound Podcast with Dr. Tony Evans

Chrystal Evans Hurst is an author, speaker and founder of The Sister Circle, where she encourages women to grow in faith, embrace their identity and live with greater intention. In this episode of The Unbound Podcast, Dr. Tony Evans sits down with his oldest daughter for an honest, personal and often humorous conversation about family, identity, disappointment and learning how to keep moving when life does not turn out the way you expected. Chrystal opens up about growing up in the Evans household, becoming a single mother at nineteen and navigating seasons when she wondered who she was and what God was doing with her life. She shares how those experiences shaped her understanding of purpose and why the unexpected parts of our stories do not have to be wasted. Together, Chrystal and Dr. Evans talk about what happens when you spend so much time caring for everyone else that you begin to lose sight of yourself. They explore the importance of Christian community, why sometimes you need to “borrow” hope from someone else and how God can use even regret, pain and hidden seasons for His purposes. Chrystal also shares a simple but challenging idea for anyone who feels worn down by the demands of everyday life: fight for joy. Sometimes that means making room for the things that remind you you’re alive. Sometimes it means opening the gifts God has already placed in front of you. And sometimes it means trusting that He is still at work even when you cannot yet see what He is building. The conversation closes with a deeply personal challenge about vulnerability and relationships. In a world that encourages us to look polished, stay guarded and keep the hard parts hidden, Chrystal reminds us that meaningful relationships require the courage to be known—to let people see our failures, our hurts and our hearts. If you have ever looked at your life and thought, “this wasn’t supposed to happen,” this conversation is a reminder that your story is not over. Even when life has not gone according to plan, God is still at work shaping your story and leading you into what comes next. Learn more about Chrystal Evans Hurst: https://chrystalevanshurst.com/ Follow Chrystal on Instagram: @ChrystalHurst ——————————————————————— The Unbound Podcast is a weekly space for conversations that don’t rush to conclusions. Each episode explores what it means to live free from what binds us—pressure, fear, reputation and the need to have it all figured out—through thoughtful dialogue and lived experience. Senior Producer & Creative Director: Heather Hair Technical Director, Audio & Lead Editor: Lee Sherman #TonyEvans #TonyEvansPodcast #UnboundPodcast

The Unbound Podcast is a weekly space for conversations that don’t rush to conclusions. Each episode explores what it means to live free from what binds us—pressure, fear, reputation and the need to have it all figured out—through thoughtful dialogue and lived experience. Senior Producer & Creative Director: Heather Hair Technical Director, Audio & Lead Editor: Lee Sherman #TonyEvans #TonyEvansPodcast #UnboundPodcast

The Unbound Podcast is a weekly space for conversations that don’t rush to conclusions. Each episode explores what it means to live free from what binds us—pressure, fear, reputation and the need to have it all figured out—through thoughtful dialogue and lived experience. Senior Producer & Creative Director: Heather Hair Technical Director, Audio & Lead Editor: Lee Sherman #TonyEvans #TonyEvansPodcast #UnboundPodcast

Tony Dungy is a Super Bowl-winning NFL coach, longtime broadcaster and committed follower of Christ whose faith has shaped the way he leads, serves and lives. In this episode of The Unbound Podcast, Dr. Tony Evans sits down with his longtime friend for a candid conversation about faith, family, leadership and what it means to follow Christ when the pressure is high and the stakes are even higher. Coach Dungy reflects on the influence of his parents, including his father’s challenge to never let others define him and to always ask how he could make a difficult situation better. He also shares how Christian teammates early in his NFL career strengthened his faith and how a message from Dr. Evans helped shape a conviction he has carried throughout his life: Be a Christian all the time. Together, Dr. Evans and Coach Dungy look back on his journey from NFL player to head coach, his commitment to lead through encouragement rather than intimidation and his determination to pursue excellence without allowing football to become the most important thing in his life. He also reflects on winning the Super Bowl and using that moment to point millions of people to Christ. The conversation turns deeply personal as Coach Dungy shares how his faith sustained him through professional disappointment, public criticism and the devastating loss of his son James. Through those experiences, he explains how Scripture deepened his trust in God and gave his family hope even in their darkest season. Through triumph, disappointment and loss, Coach Dungy’s message is clear: Pursue excellence, but never confuse earthly success with what matters most. Because the prizes of this world will fade, but a life lived for Christ has eternal significance. Follow Tony Dungy on X: https://x.com/TonyDungy Find more from Tony Dungy at All Pro Dad: https://allprodad.com/author/tonydungy/ ——————————————————————— The Unbound Podcast is a weekly space for conversations that don’t rush to conclusions. Each episode explores what it means to live free from what binds us—pressure, fear, reputation and the need to have it all figured out—through thoughtful dialogue and lived experience. Senior Producer & Creative Director: Heather Hair Technical Director, Audio & Lead Editor: Lee Sherman #TonyEvans #TonyEvansPodcast #UnboundPodcast

Dr. Alec Ryrie is a professor of the history of Christianity at Durham University and a leading scholar of the Protestant Reformation. In this episode of The Unbound Podcast, Dr. Tony Evans sits down with Dr. Ryrie in France for a fascinating conversation about the Reformation, the spread of Scripture and what happens when deeply held beliefs begin to reshape everyday life. Together, they look beyond the famous names and theological debates to explore how the Reformation affected ordinary men and women who suddenly found themselves facing questions of faith, conscience and even survival. As Scripture became more widely available in the language of the people, believers were forced to wrestle with where their ultimate authority belonged and what they were willing to risk for the truth. Dr. Ryrie explains how those convictions affected families, communities and entire nations, often bringing both spiritual renewal and painful division. He also shares the remarkable story of Anne Askew, a young English woman whose commitment to Scripture ultimately cost her life but whose courage helped preserve the Protestant cause during a critical moment in history. Throughout the conversation, Dr. Evans and Dr. Ryrie explore the tension between truth and unity, the cost of following one’s conscience and why the questions raised during the Reformation still matter today. Because the Reformation is more than a chapter in church history. It is a reminder that what we believe about God and His Word shapes how we live, what we value and where we are willing to stand. Learn more about Dr. Alec Ryrie’s new book The World’s Reformation: https://yalebooks.yale.edu/book/9780300279047/the-worlds-reformation/ ——————————————————————— The Unbound Podcast is a weekly space for conversations that don’t rush to conclusions. Each episode explores what it means to live free from what binds us—pressure, fear, reputation and the need to have it all figured out—through thoughtful dialogue and lived experience. Senior Producer & Creative Director: Heather Hair Technical Director, Audio & Lead Editor: Lee Sherman #TonyEvans #TonyEvansPodcast #UnboundPodcast

Dr. Drew Dickens is a theologian, author and speaker who explores the intersection of artificial intelligence, spiritual formation and what it means to be human. In this episode of The Unbound Podcast, Dr. Tony Evans sits down with Dr. Dickens for a timely conversation about AI, faith and the responsibility Christians have to use rapidly advancing technology with wisdom and discernment. Together, they unpack what artificial intelligence actually is, why it is more than just another technological tool and how easily something designed to assist us can begin to influence, shape and even disciple us. Dr. Dickens explains why AI can be useful without being neutral, especially when people begin turning to it for spiritual guidance, emotional support or answers that belong within a relationship with God and biblical community. The conversation also explores what AI cannot replace: the work of the Holy Spirit, the authority of Scripture, the value of human relationships and the difficult but necessary process of wrestling with God’s Word for ourselves. Dr. Evans and Dr. Dickens discuss practical ways pastors, churches, families and individual believers can establish healthy boundaries while still using technology to advance kingdom purposes. They also take on some of the bigger questions surrounding AI. What does it mean to be made in the image of God when technology can imitate more and more human abilities? Can AI become an idol? How should Christians think about its role in discipleship, ministry and even the future? This is not a conversation about fearing technology or blindly embracing it. It is about remembering who is in control, knowing where the boundaries belong and learning how to use a powerful tool without allowing that tool to take a place only God should occupy. Because the question is not simply what AI can do. It is whether we will have the wisdom to know what it should do. Website: https://drewdickens.com/ Substack: https://drewdickens.substack.com/ ——————————————————————— The Unbound Podcast is a weekly space for conversations that don’t rush to conclusions. Each episode explores what it means to live free from what binds us—pressure, fear, reputation and the need to have it all figured out—through thoughtful dialogue and lived experience. Senior Producer & Creative Director: Heather Hair Technical Director, Audio & Lead Editor: Lee Sherman #TonyEvans #TonyEvansPodcast #UnboundPodcast

Davy Liu is a former Disney animator, artist and storyteller who has devoted his creative gifts to helping the next generation encounter biblical truth. In this episode of The Unbound Podcast, Dr. Tony Evans sits down with Davy for a conversation about creativity, calling and what it means to use the gifts God has given you for His kingdom purpose. Davy shares the journey that took him from struggling in school as a boy in Taiwan to discovering his artistic ability after moving to America. That gift eventually opened the door to Disney, where he worked on films including Beauty and the Beast, Aladdin and The Lion King. But as his career grew, so did a deeper question: Was success enough if his creativity was not ultimately serving God? That conviction led Davy to leave Hollywood and pursue a vision of creating excellent, engaging stories that introduce children to the truth of Scripture. Through Kendu Films, he has spent decades developing stories designed to reach children through imagination and storytelling. Davy also opens up about divorce, financial loss, disappointment and a season of deep personal struggle. He shares how God used Scripture and a community of faithful men to remind him that obedience is worth the cost, even when the outcome takes years to see. Together, Dr. Evans and Davy explore why creativity matters, why excellence belongs in kingdom work and how God can use even difficult seasons to prepare us for a greater purpose. Because the gift God gave you was never meant only to make a living. It was meant to help you live out His purpose. Learn more about Kendu Films: https://kendufilms.com/ Follow Davy Liu on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/davy814/?hl=en ——————————————————————— The Unbound Podcast is a weekly space for conversations that don’t rush to conclusions. Each episode explores what it means to live free from what binds us—pressure, fear, reputation and the need to have it all figured out—through thoughtful dialogue and lived experience. Senior Producer & Creative Director: Heather Hair Technical Director, Audio & Lead Editor: Lee Sherman #TonyEvans #TonyEvansPodcast #UnboundPodcast

Gary Thomas is a bestselling author, speaker and trusted voice on marriage, spiritual formation and Christian living. In this episode of The Unbound Podcast, Dr. Tony Evans sits down with Gary Thomas for a deeply personal conversation about grief, loss, hope and the perspective that changes everything. Both men share openly about walking through the deaths of loved ones, including the loss of parents, spouses and family members. Together, they reflect on what grief teaches us about eternity, how suffering exposes what truly matters and why faith becomes most important when life feels most fragile. Throughout the conversation, Gary and Dr. Evans explore the difference between living with a sense of entitlement and living with gratitude for God's grace. They discuss the power of an eternal perspective, the comfort found in Scripture and the hope that anchors believers when circumstances seem overwhelming. They also talk about caring for aging parents, helping loved ones prepare for eternity and learning to focus less on personal significance and more on making the name of Jesus known. Along the way, they offer practical encouragement for anyone wrestling with questions, facing loss or waiting on God in a difficult season. This is a conversation about sorrow, but it is also a conversation about hope. Because grief may remind us what we've lost. But faith reminds us what can never be taken away. Learn more about Gary Thomas: https://garythomas.com/ Follow Gary Thomas on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AuthorGaryThomas ——————————————————————— The Unbound Podcast is a weekly space for conversations that don’t rush to conclusions. Each episode explores what it means to live free from what binds us—pressure, fear, reputation and the need to have it all figured out—through thoughtful dialogue and lived experience. Senior Producer & Creative Director: Heather Hair Technical Director, Audio & Lead Editor: Lee Sherman #TonyEvans #TonyEvansPodcast #UnboundPodcast

Before she was a renowned Bible teacher, bestselling author and actress, Priscilla Shirer was the second child in the Evans household—talkative, strong-willed and often determined to step directly over the line. In this episode of The Unbound Podcast, Dr. Tony Evans sits down with his daughter for a playful, personal conversation about family, faith and discovering how God can use the very qualities that once got you into trouble for His purpose. Together, they revisit childhood memories and family traditions while exploring the importance of recognizing each child’s unique, God-given gifts. Priscilla reflects on how her father looked beyond her behavior to see the communicator and leader she could become, and how that example has shaped her own approach to parenting. She also shares how an unexpected college internship helped launch a ministry she never planned, how watching her father teach shaped her love for Scripture, and why purpose continues to guide the opportunities she accepts from Bible teaching to films like War Room. Full of laughter and the unmistakable warmth between a father and daughter, this conversation offers an honest look at the family and faith that shaped Priscilla’s life. It is a reminder that calling often begins long before we recognize it—in the gifts God places within us and the people who take time to see our potential. YouTube: YouTube.com/goingbeyondministries Facebook: Facebook.com/goingbeyondministries Instagram: @PriscillaShirer Website: goingbeyond.com ——————————————————————— The Unbound Podcast is a weekly space for conversations that don’t rush to conclusions. Each episode explores what it means to live free from what binds us—pressure, fear, reputation and the need to have it all figured out—through thoughtful dialogue and lived experience. Senior Producer & Creative Director: Heather Hair Technical Director, Audio & Lead Editor: Lee Sherman #TonyEvans #TonyEvansPodcast #UnboundPodcast

Millions know his song. Few know his story. In fact, Everybody knows “This Is How We Do It.” What most people don’t know is what happened after the music stopped. In this episode of The Unbound Podcast, Dr. Tony Evans sits down with Grammy-nominated artist, pastor and speaker Montell Jordan for a conversation about fame, faith, identity and what it looks like when God asks you to surrender the very thing that made you successful. Montell shares how success slowly became part of his identity, how it affected his marriage and family, and why walking away from the spotlight became an act of obedience instead of defeat. He also opens up about his recent battle with prostate cancer, the importance of early detection and how facing a life-threatening diagnosis changed the way he thinks about purpose, trust and what it means to finish well. Along the way, Dr. Evans and Montell explore why God sometimes removes what we depend on before revealing who we really are. They talk about reaching people outside the walls of the church, carrying the gospel into unexpected places and why our greatest platform is often our greatest pain. If you’ve ever wondered what happens after the applause fades, this conversation is for you. Because God is often doing His deepest work after the world stops watching. Learn more about Montell Jordan: Follow Montell on Instagram:https://www.instagram.com/montelljordan/ Website: https://montellandkristin.com/ ——————————————————————— The Unbound Podcast is a weekly space for conversations that don’t rush to conclusions. Each episode explores what it means to live free from what binds us—pressure, fear, reputation and the need to have it all figured out—through thoughtful dialogue and lived experience. Senior Producer & Creative Director: Heather Hair Technical Director, Audio & Lead Editor: Lee Sherman #TonyEvans #TonyEvansPodcast #UnboundPodcast

Faith Womack is a Bible teacher, author and content creator whose passion is helping people fall in love with God's Word. In this episode of The Unbound Podcast, Dr. Tony Evans sits down with Faith for a conversation about Scripture, discipleship and why so many Christians settle for reading the Bible out of obligation instead of delight. Faith shares the personal story behind her passion for God's Word. Growing up in a home where Scripture was often misunderstood and misused, she wrestled with confusion, fear and questions about whether truth could really be known. But through faithful teachers, years of study and a growing love for God's Word, she discovered that the Bible is not meant to intimidate us. It is meant to transform us. Together, she and Dr. Evans explore why context matters, how to move beyond surface-level Bible reading and what it looks like to feast on Scripture instead of simply checking it off a list. They also talk about balancing Bible study with motherhood, overcoming the feeling of being unqualified and why every believer—not just pastors and scholars—is invited to know God's Word deeply. What makes this conversation so encouraging is its reminder that Scripture is not reserved for experts. It is for ordinary people walking through ordinary life with an extraordinary God. Whether you have read the Bible for decades or struggle to know where to begin, this episode will leave you with fresh confidence to open God's Word and expect Him to meet you there. Learn more about Faith Womack: No More Boring Bible Study: https://a.co/d/0a55TmqB Website: https://faithwomack.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/faithjwomack YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@faithjwomack ——————————————————————— The Unbound Podcast is a weekly space for conversations that don’t rush to conclusions. Each episode explores what it means to live free from what binds us—pressure, fear, reputation and the need to have it all figured out—through thoughtful dialogue and lived experience. Senior Producer & Creative Director: Heather Hair Technical Director, Audio & Lead Editor: Lee Sherman #TonyEvans #TonyEvansPodcast #UnboundPodcast

Second chapters aren't about replacing what came before. They're about discovering what God is still doing. In this episode of The Unbound Podcast, Dr. Tony Evans sits down with his wife, Mrs. Carla Evans, for a warm and deeply personal conversation about love after loss, God's providence and the unexpected ways He writes new chapters. Together, they share the remarkable story of how two lives marked by profound loss were brought together through a series of quiet, unmistakable moments that only God could orchestrate. They reflect on the journey from friendship to marriage, the faithfulness of God through seasons of grief and the hope that can grow when we trust Him with what comes next. But this conversation is about more than how they met. Mrs. Evans shares what shaped her long before this chapter of her life—from caring for her parents and serving alongside her late husband in ministry to living with a kindness that naturally points people to Christ. Along the way, she and Dr. Evans talk about family, second chances, honoring the past without living in it and why God's providence is often easier to recognize looking backward than looking ahead. This episode feels less like an interview and more like being welcomed into an honest conversation about faith, love and the quiet ways God works behind the scenes. If you've ever wondered whether God can bring beauty after heartbreak, purpose after loss or joy in a season you never expected, this conversation is a gentle reminder that He is still writing your story. Follow Mrs. Carla Evans on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mrscarlaevans/ ——————————————————————— The Unbound Podcast is a weekly space for conversations that don’t rush to conclusions. Each episode explores what it means to live free from what binds us—pressure, fear, reputation and the need to have it all figured out—through thoughtful dialogue and lived experience. Senior Producer & Creative Director: Heather Hair Technical Director, Audio & Lead Editor: Lee Sherman #TonyEvans #TonyEvansPodcast #UnboundPodcast

Before we begin, we’d love to invite you to join Dr. Tony Evans and The Unbound Podcast family for a special Caribbean Cruise, February 28 through March 7, 2027. Enjoy meaningful teaching from Dr. Tony Evans, special sessions with Priscilla Shirer, and music from Anthony Evans. Learn more at https://www.inspirationtravel.com/event/anchored-2027-caribbean-cruise-tony-evans?gad_source=1&gad_campaignid=20546020936&gbraid=0AAAAADxqVwZ-nyM90gRzAhBo77koxP93K Thank you for listening to The Unbound Podcast with Dr. Tony Evans. For more biblical teaching and ministry resources, visit www.TonyEvans.org, and if you’d like to go deeper in your study of Scripture, you can explore online courses at https://www.tonyevanstraining.org/ Michael Porter Jr. is not just any NBA player. He is a 6’10” forward, a first-round pick, an NBA champion and one of the league’s clearest examples of what it looks like to fight back when your body, your future and your expectations all get tested at once. After multiple back surgeries and years of questions about whether he could ever fully become the player people imagined, Porter kept going, kept growing and helped the Denver Nuggets win their first NBA championship in 2023. He later joined the Brooklyn Nets, where he averaged 24.2 points, 7.1 rebounds, and 3.0 assists this season. In this episode of The Unbound Podcast, Dr. Tony Evans sits down with Michael for a conversation that goes way beyond highlights, numbers and fame. They talk about injuries, disappointment, unmet expectations and what happens when the dream you built your life around gets interrupted. Michael opens up about the mental side of pressure, the loneliness that can come with performance, and the process of learning that basketball can be part of your identity without becoming the whole of it. Together, they also talk about faith, family, purpose and the hard truth that even championships, platform and success cannot carry the weight of your soul. Michael shares honestly about questioning what he believed, looking into other belief systems and ultimately coming to the conviction that Jesus is the only way. He also reflects on his family, the responsibility he feels to those he loves and his desire to use his life for something bigger than a stat line. This is the kind of conversation basketball fans will feel because it gets underneath the game. It is about setbacks, comeback seasons, inner pressure and the battle to become whole while the world only measures what you do on the court. Because sometimes the biggest win is not the title. It is becoming the kind of man who can carry one. Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mpj/ ——————————————————————— The Unbound Podcast is a weekly space for conversations that don’t rush to conclusions. Each episode explores what it means to live free from what binds us—pressure, fear, reputation and the need to have it all figured out—through thoughtful dialogue and lived experience. Senior Producer & Creative Director: Heather Hair Technical Director, Audio & Lead Editor: Lee Sherman #TonyEvans #TonyEvansPodcast #UnboundPodcast

This episode of The Unbound Podcast is calm, honest and refreshingly practical. It is an invitation to stop running long enough to listen—to God, to your soul and to the still small voice we often miss in the noise. Dr. Konstantinos Zarras is a Greek theologian, scholar, faculty member and researcher in the Department of Theology at the National and Kapodistrian University of Athens (NKUA) in Greece whose work explores the intersection of Scripture, faith and the human soul. Listen as Dr. Tony Evans sits down with Dr. Zarras for a thoughtful and deeply reflective conversation about anxiety, prayer, silence and the search for peace in an increasingly noisy world. Drawing from both Scripture and the Christian tradition, Dr. Zarras offers a perspective that feels both ancient and urgently relevant. Together, they explore what it means to move beyond surface-level religion and allow God to work at the level of the heart. Dr. Zarras explains why Jesus consistently addressed the inner life first—teaching that peace, conflict, forgiveness and even violence all begin within us before they ever appear around us. The conversation also dives into prayer in a way many listeners may not expect. Rather than beginning with words, Dr. Zarras describes prayer as beginning with silence: emptying our distracted minds so there is room to receive the presence of God. Dr. Evans and Dr. Zarras discuss how modern life, constant technology and endless noise have left many spiritually exhausted—and why slowing down may be one of the most important spiritual practices of our time. They also talk about family, emotional health, faith during hardship and the connection between inner peace and healthy relationships. Along the way, Dr. Zarras shares insights about the Lord’s Prayer, the “prayer of the heart” and why making space for God daily is not lost time, but an investment that changes the way we live. If your life feels crowded, anxious or spiritually tired, this conversation will help you breathe again. ——————————————————————— The Unbound Podcast is a weekly space for conversations that don’t rush to conclusions. Each episode explores what it means to live free from what binds us—pressure, fear, reputation and the need to have it all figured out—through thoughtful dialogue and lived experience. Senior Producer & Creative Director: Heather Hair Technical Director, Audio & Lead Editor: Lee Sherman #TonyEvans #TonyEvansPodcast #UnboundPodcast

Thank you for listening to The Unbound Podcast with Dr. Tony Evans. For more biblical teaching and ministry resources, visit www.TonyEvans.org, and if you’d like to go deeper in your study of Scripture, you can explore online courses at https://www.tonyevanstraining.org/ If you have ever wrestled with loss, wondered how the past shapes your faith or needed encouragement to keep carrying hope forward, this conversation is for you. Dr. Craig Allert is a Professor of Theology at Trinity Western University (twu.ca) who specializes in Early Christian Theology and the Formation of the New Testament. In this episode of The Unbound Podcast, Dr. Tony Evans sits down with Dr. Allert for a thoughtful and deeply personal conversation about Scripture, church history, legacy and grief. Together, they explore why understanding the historical context of the Bible matters, how the early church helps shape our understanding of faith today and why Christianity was never meant to be disconnected from story, community and relationship. But this conversation moves beyond theology alone. As the discussion unfolds, Dr. Evans and Dr. Allert reflect on the influence of fathers, the power of spiritual legacy and the deep personal losses both men have experienced. Dr. Allert shares openly about the recent passing of his father, while Dr. Evans reflects on the legacy his own father left behind and the role Scripture played in shaping his life and ministry. Together, they wrestle honestly with grief, mourning and the hope believers hold onto in seasons of loss. They talk about why grief has no timeline, why people often need presence more than answers and how the body of Christ is meant to walk with one another through pain instead of avoiding it. This episode is both intellectually rich and deeply human. It is a reminder that faith is not built in isolation. It is passed down through generations, strengthened in community and sustained by the hope found in Christ. ——————————————————————— The Unbound Podcast is a weekly space for conversations that don’t rush to conclusions. Each episode explores what it means to live free from what binds us—pressure, fear, reputation and the need to have it all figured out—through thoughtful dialogue and lived experience. Senior Producer & Creative Director: Heather Hair Technical Director, Audio & Lead Editor: Lee Sherman #TonyEvans #TonyEvansPodcast #UnboundPodcast