# 261: TRANS-SIBERIAN ORCHESTRA's lead guitarist AL PITRELLI on how explosives, rock, and tradition make Christmas merry!
CIA: Contagious Influencers of America
Release Date: 11/15/2024
# 280: TRANS-SIBERIAN ORCHESTRA'S AL PITRELLI shares about the lights, legacy and music that makes the season bright!
CIA: Contagious Influencers of America
Every holiday season, electrifies audiences with a symphony of rock, lights, and storytelling unlike anything else on earth. Nine-time Emmy winner David Sams sits down with Al Pitrelli—TSO’s lead guitarist, musical director, and founding member—to reveal the heart, history, and humanity behind one of America’s most cherished Christmas traditions. From the early days of analog tape and late nights in the studio to selling out arenas across the country, Al shares how The Ghosts of Christmas Eve continues to evolve while keeping Paul O’Neill’s vision alive. Hear how TSO balances...
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# 279: BEN FULLER is an open book about his addictive past, tattoos and remarkable road to redemption
CIA: Contagious Influencers of America
From a small-town Vermont dairy farm to the stage of the Grand Ole Opry, Christian artist has walked through fire—and come out transformed. In this powerful episode nine-time Emmy winner David Sams sits down with Ben to talk about addiction, redemption, and the relentless grace of God. Ben opens up about his past struggles with cocaine, alcohol, and shame, and how one encounter with Jesus completely changed the trajectory of his life. Now, through chart-topping songs like “Who I Am” and his latest album , Ben’s message of hope and healing is reaching millions around the world. He...
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# 278: MEGAN WOODS on battling her insecurities, bullying and depression to finding The Truth
CIA: Contagious Influencers of America
If you’ve ever struggled with believing you’re enough—or wondered how to face the lies that spin in your head about who you are—this episode will remind you of one unshakable truth: you are a child of God. In this compelling episode with nine-time Emmy winner David Sams, rising artist shares her extraordinary story of surviving years of bullying, verbal abuse and battling self-worth to finding freedom and purpose. Megan opens up about how God turned her deepest pain into her life’s calling. Megan’s debut EP The Truth delivers an inspiring message of hope, identity, and ...
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# 277: TOM KERBER, shares about the healing power of Red Light therapy and how SunPowerLED is transforming health
CIA: Contagious Influencers of America
What if the key to healing pain, boosting brain health, and even reducing inflammation was as simple as light? In this groundbreaking episode, nine-time Emmy winner David Sams sits down with inventor to explore the science and miracles behind . From relieving arthritis, back pain, and migraines to supporting recovery from traumatic brain injuries, Parkinson’s, autism, and even vision challenges, this conversation uncovers how powerful light technology is transforming health and wellness. You’ll hear incredible real-life stories—people regaining mobility after decades of pain,...
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# 276: JOHN O'LEARY & JOEL COURTNEY on Faith, Survival, and "Soul on Fire"
CIA: Contagious Influencers of America
This is a story of hope, faith, and purpose you’ll never forget. Actor Joel Courtney and inspirational speaker John O’Leary connect with nine-time Emmy winner David Sams to share the real-life miracle behind the upcoming film , a powerful true story of survival and redemption hitting theaters October 10, 2025. At just nine years old, John O’Leary survived a devastating explosion that left him burned over 100 percent of his body and with less than a 1 percent chance to live. Decades later, his journey from unimaginable pain to living with unshakable purpose has inspired millions through...
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# 275: STEVE BROWN and his iconic voice that doesn't shy away from controversy or radical grace!
CIA: Contagious Influencers of America
Pastor, author, and legendary storyteller joins nine-time Emmy winner David Sams for a powerful conversation about faith, grace, and the art of sharing your story. From his early days in commercial radio to miraculous moments of healing, Steve reflects on the experiences that shaped his life and ministry. As founder of Key Life Network and Bible teacher on the nationally syndicated Key Life program heard on over 600 stations, Steve has spent decades helping people discover the radical freedom of the Gospel. You may also recognize his unmistakable voice from the beloved series on...
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# 274: NICOLE C. MULLEN from overcoming abuse to finding redemption and choosing what’s right
CIA: Contagious Influencers of America
You’ve faced the kind of pain that should have destroyed you—abuse, betrayal, shattered relationships. But with faith, even the darkest nights can lead to songs of redemption. In this episode of Contagious Influencers of America, you’ll hear the powerful journey of —the Grammy-nominated, Dove Award–winning singer-songwriter behind the timeless hits "Redeemer," "On My Knees" and "Call On Jesus". Beyond the stage, Nicole shares raw and courageous stories of overcoming abuse, heartbreak, and betrayal, and how unshakable faith helped her rebuild and inspire millions. Join host, nine-time...
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# 273 : WINK MARTINDALE - Stories from an iconic TV and radio career. A legend we will dearly miss and never forget..
CIA: Contagious Influencers of America
Wink Martindale, the legendary radio and television icon, died in Rancho Mirage, California on Tuesday, April 15, 2025, at the age of 91. The king of game shows who was perhaps best known for hosting the beloved Tic-Tac-Dough and Gambit, had a remarkable 74-year career. He was surrounded by family and his beloved wife of 49 years, Sandra Martindale. Wink was a longtime friend of CIA host and 9-time Emmy winner David Sams who sat down to interview him in 2019. We'd like to share this wonderful conversation between friends. Wink's legendary status as radio and TV host has taken him...
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# 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...
info_outlineSilent night? Not with this band! The Trans-Siberian Orchestra’s music is a staple over the holiday season and you can experience it all during their 2024 winter tour. The Trans-Siberian Orchestra (TSO) is one of the world’s top touring artists of the past decade and has sold over 12 million albums. Nine-time Emmy winner David Sams chats with lead guitarist and musical director of TSO, Al Pitrelli. Al shares how the music we’ve all come to know and love was created, and the impact it’s had on generations of fans. TSO’s 2024 Winter Tour: “The Lost Christmas Eve” is kicking off and they are making stops all across the country until the end of December. You can purchase tickets now in your city at tsotickets.com #TransSiberianOrchestra
#TSOTime #TSO #ChristmasMusic #AlPitrelli #DavidSams #KeepTheFaith #ContagiousInfluencer