# 259: DALLAS JENKINS directs his next project where chaos meets Christmas on its way to becoming a classic
CIA: Contagious Influencers of America
Release Date: 10/24/2024
# 272: JON ERWIN - Facing Giants With a Bold New Take on the Epic Story of David
CIA: Contagious Influencers of America
The epic tale of David and Goliath has inspired generations—but what if you could experience it like never before? Award-winning filmmaker Jon Erwin (Jesus Revolution, I Can Only Imagine) is bringing this legendary story to life in , a groundbreaking new TV series streaming worldwide on Prime Video starting February 27th. In this compelling podcast episode, nine-time Emmy winner David Sams sits down with his friend Jon for an exclusive behind-the-scenes look at his latest project, his journey through Hollywood, and his bold vision for , an independent studio redefining faith-based...
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# 271: DEMI-LEIGH TEBOW goes beyond the Miss Universe crown and talks about family, fear and faith!
CIA: Contagious Influencers of America
Where do you place your value? has learned her identity is much more than her Miss Universe crown. In this episode, nine-time Emmy winner David Sams chats with Demi about her book “A Crown That Lasts” and the inspiration behind it. Demi, who’s the wife of former NFL quarterback Tim Tebow, shares how her own experiences of failure and identity struggles led her to write the book. Demi emphasizes the importance of rooting one's identity in something more stable and trustworthy than life circumstances. She also discusses her passion for giving women a voice and fighting against human...
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# 270: MARK BATTERSON inspires us by reminding us of the millions of miracles God performs every day
CIA: Contagious Influencers of America
It was Einstein who said: "There are only two ways to live your life. One is as though nothing is a miracle. The other is as though everything is a miracle." In this engaging conversation, nine-time Emmy winner David Sams and New York Times bestselling author Pastor explore the concept of miracles in contemporary life, discussing personal experiences, the importance of gratitude, and the role of faith. Batterson shares his journey of overcoming asthma, emphasizing that every breath is a miracle. They delve into the significance of recognizing everyday miracles, the theology of play, and the...
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# 269: TIM STOREY is here to help ignite your miracle mentality for 2025!
CIA: Contagious Influencers of America
What better time than now to ignite your comeback with the original comeback coach, , life coach to the stars! In this special episode, nine-time Emmy winner David Sams catches up with his good friend to discuss personal growth, overcoming obstacles, and unlocking your hidden potential through the transformative power of mindset. Drawing from Tim’s book The Miracle Mentality, this inspiring conversation explores: Overcoming toxic thoughts and embracing positivity and purpose. Navigating challenges with therapy, coaching, and strong support systems. Making conscious decisions to unlock new...
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#268: CHRIS MACCHIO is America's tenor with a golden-era voice uniting people across the globe from the White House balcony & Butler, PA
CIA: Contagious Influencers of America
He's most recently known for his performance of "God Bless America" at the Butler, Pennsylvania Trump Rally, and now he'll be performing again this time as President Donald Trump is sworn in as the 47th President of the United States. Nine-time Emmy winner David Sams gets to sit down with international classical-crossover vocalist, . In this engaging conversation, Chris shares his journey of connecting with President Trump through music, reflecting on the significance of his performances and the spiritual awakening that accompanied his musical career. He emphasizes the importance of gratitude...
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# 267: BRANT HANSEN is starting out the New Year with a message of joy and healthy mindset to combat stress!
CIA: Contagious Influencers of America
Regardless of how stressed and anxiety-ridden you entered 2025, it's possible to live joyfully and without worry. Radio host and podcaster shares the message of taking Jesus seriously in all of life and in turn finding a sense of peace amongst the chaos. In this engaging conversation, nine-time Emmy winner David Sams chats with Brant about the themes of joy, anxiety, and trust in God. Brant emphasizes the importance of gratitude in overcoming anxiety and the impact of social media on mental health. Brant also highlights the significance of simplicity in faith and the need for community...
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# 266: WNBA star MAYA MOORE IRONS and her husband JONATHAN IRONS share their journey to justice through unwavering faith
CIA: Contagious Influencers of America
Would you give up everything you've worked for your entire life in the name of justice? is a two-time NCAA champion, two-time Olympic gold medalist, four-time WNBA champion, and WNBA MVP. But Maya put that all aside in 2019 to focus on exonerating her now husband, Jonathan Irons, from a 50-year prison sentence for a crime he didn't commit. Nine-time Emmy winner David Sams chats with both Maya and Jonathan about their story, detailed in their memoir: "." In this conversation, Jonathan shares his journey of faith, resilience, and the transformative power of connection through prison ministry....
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# 265: GRANGER SMITH takes a detour from life as a decorated musician to pursue life in ministry
CIA: Contagious Influencers of America
Farewell to country music, guilt, and pain. now has newfound purpose. After 24 years touring as an award-winning, platinum-selling, country music singer-songwriter, Smith chose to leave the music business to pursue a future in ministry. Nine-time Emmy winner David Sams sits down with the now best-selling author, five years after the tragic loss of his son, River, to discuss finding purpose in the pain. Granger also talks about his children's book on grief called “Up Toward the Light” and the significance of his youngest son Maverick's name. Through his story, Granger inspires hope and...
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# 264: VAN ZANT, the iconic Southern Rock duo reunite to release their first ever Jesus album and talk about family, faith & legacy
CIA: Contagious Influencers of America
Iconic Southern Rock brothers Donnie and Johnny Van Zant reunite as to release their first ever Christian album sharing about their faith that has been a constant thread throughout their lives. Collectively they have sold over 50 million records, from Johnny’s work as the lead vocalist of Lynyrd Skynyrd to Donnie’s success with 38 Special, and older brother Ronnie's posthumous legacy with Skynyrd as a founding member, they share how they balance honoring the past with creating fresh sounds in their first ever Jesus record titled "Always Look Up." The duo casually sits down with nine-time...
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# 263: WE ARE MESSENGERS front-man Darren Mulligan shares the joyful hope of Christmas with an Irish twist
CIA: Contagious Influencers of America
Nollaig Shona Duit! Merry Christmas! are celebrating this holiday season in an authentic Irish way. They have had 11 consecutive top 10 radio singles including the multi chart #1 hit song “Come What May” and the Gold certified “Maybe Its OK’. Now their new EP "Rejoice! A Celtic Christmas" is out, putting a Celtic spin on some of your favorite Christmas classics. Nine-time Emmy winner David Sams sits down with front-man Darren Mulligan at the homestead to talk about his band's new music and life as a "single minded Irish man." Hear what Christmas was like for Darren growing up in...
info_outlineSilent night - hold on tight! Imagine this: "the worst kids in the history of the world" crashing your town's Christmas pageant? Would you turn them away, or show them the true spirit of Christmas? That's the heart of the new film, "The Best Christmas Pageant Ever," directed by Dallas Jenkins, the creator behind "The Chosen." In an interview with nine-time Emmy winner David Sams, Jenkins dives into his journey of adapting the beloved book for the big screen, aiming to create a Christmas classic that mixes laughter with the timeless story of the Nativity. He also opens up about his personal challenges as a filmmaker, reflecting on a past project that didn’t meet expectations, and how that experience shaped his perspective on success—reminding us that true success comes from glorifying God, not from meeting worldly standards. See "The Best Christmas Pageant Ever" in theaters on November 8th. Tickets available now at https://bestchristmaspageantever.movie/
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