Episodes

  • Finding Your Footing in the Face of Uncertainty: Mike Nawrocki and Jennie Smythe

    Finding Your Footing in the Face of Uncertainty: Mike Nawrocki and Jennie Smythe
    Jun 5 2025
    This week, we’re joined by Mike Nawrocki, best known for his work in co-creating the beloved children’s series VeggieTales, and voice of Larry the Cucumber. Mike shares the leap of faith he took with college friend and VeggieTales co-creator Phil Vischer, the setbacks and devastating losses they faced along the way to create what would become an iconic staple for families all over, and how simple stories told by talking vegetables helped people understand just how much God loves them. Later, we’ll hear from Jennie Smythe, the CEO of Girlilla Marketing. Through the tragic cancer diagnosis that Jennie helped her father walk through, to her own battle with breast cancer, Jennie shares how life’s challenges have shown her that her security and identity rests in Jesus alone. Links, Products, and Resources Mentioned: Jesus Calling Podcast Jesus Calling Jesus Always Jesus Listens Past interview: Brandi Rhodes Upcoming interview: Becky Murray Jesus Calling commemorative edition Mike Nawrocki VeggieTales Phil Vischer Dead Sea Squirrels Christian and Missionary Alliance Crown College Jim Henson Peace Corps Everland Entertainment 3-2-1 Penguins Jonah My Utmost for His Highest The Pirates Who Don’t Do Anything Lipscomb University Matthew West Mac Powell Ellie Holcomb www.mikenawrocki.com www.gominno.com Jennie Smythe Girlilla Marketing pancreatic cancer breast cancer www.girlillamarketing.com Becoming Girlilla Interview Quotes: “The Silly Songs helped the kids fall in love with Larry the Cucumber and the other characters to the point where they love this character, they trust this character, and they care what the character has to say about God making them special and loving them very much.” - Mike Nawrocki “We lost everything, so it was a really, really tough time. For me, from a kind of a personal and spiritual standpoint, it really made it clear to me how much I needed God in my life. It's like my only security can be found in my relationship with Jesus. That's really the only truly secure thing that there is in this world.” – Mike Nawrocki “It’s really neat to see kind of everything coming together and the heart of the [Dead Sea Squirrels series] and my wanting to do this in the first place was to share more of the gospel story, tell more New Testament stories, and share the gospel message with kids.” - Mike Nawrocki “While there’s nothing great to talk about in terms of pancreatic cancer and losing your father, what was amazing about that situation is that he gave me forgiveness.” - Jennie Smythe “I can’t help but think that my dad speaking to me at that time was a little bit of a divine intervention, and I am forever grateful for that.” - Jennie Smythe “As I was able to get better physically [from my cancer], I was also able to recognize the amazing things that I had. I just decided I wouldn’t have any bad days. I might have bad moments. I certainly still get angry and emotional, say the wrong things, don’t do the right things–you know—normal human behavior. But [I approach life] more from a place of appreciating that I wake up each day and I have the opportunity to make it the best day of my life.” - Jennie Smythe “It’s really important to show up when you are vulnerable and when you’re struggling, because you can really help people.” - Jennie Smythe ________________________ Enjoy watching these additional videos from Jesus Calling YouTube channel! Audio Episodes: https://bit.ly/3zvjbK7 Bonus Podcasts: https://bit.ly/3vfLlGw Jesus Listens: Stories of Prayer: https://bit.ly/3Sd0a6C Peace for Everyday Life: https://bit.ly/3zzwFoj Peace in Uncertain Times: https://bit.ly/3cHfB6u What’s Good? https://bit.ly/3vc2cKj Enneagram: https://bit.ly/3hzRCCY ________________________ Connect with Jesus Calling Instagram Facebook Twitter Pinterest YouTube Website TikTok Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.
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    30 mins
  • [BONUS] Healing For a World in Need with Saleem Shalash

    [BONUS] Healing For a World in Need with Saleem Shalash
    Jun 3 2025

    For this special bonus episode, we’re joined by Pastor of Home of Jesus the King Church in Nazareth, Saleem Shalash. Since Biblical times, there’s been animosity between Arabs and Jews in the Middle East, and as an Israeli Arab Christian, Pastor Saleem often felt stuck in the middle. He was raised with hatred for Israel buried deep in his heart, but after God opened his eyes to the reconciliation and love that’s so desperately needed in the world right now, Saleem began providing much-needed humanitarian support to Jews, Muslims, and Christians through his affiliation with Joseph Project International. In his pursuit to be a peacemaker that helps bring healing to a hurting world, Pastor Saleem is serving families from all ethnic and religious backgrounds across the nation—praying for the next generation to be free of hatred, and instead fueled by love and compassion.

    Links, Products, and Resources Mentioned:

    Jesus Calling Podcast

    Jesus Calling

    Jesus Always

    Jesus Listens

    Saleem Shalash Instagram

    The Joseph Project website

    Joseph Project Facebook

    Joseph Project Instagram



    Interview Quotes:

    “When they gave me the Bible, [it was] like giving a thirsty man a cold cup of water.” - Saleem Shalash

    “The Lord said, ‘Saleem it is your choice. Do you want to be part of the family or do you want to stay out?’ I was weeping that night. And I said, ‘God, I can't do it by myself. I need your help.’ I felt that God set me free from this hatred.” - Saleem Shalash

    “I believe that God keeps His promises. God changed all my life upside down. And I became one of the people that supports Arabs and Jews, who builds bridges between Arab and Jewish people; peacemakers in the land of Israel.” - Saleem Shalash

    “We need to create a new generation that's empty of hatred. We don't want to create a new generation that continues with the same conflict, with the same fight, with the same words.” - Saleem Shalash

    “Reconciliation is our message. Love is our message. We want everyone to live in peace and to be bridge builders in these difficult days.” - Saleem Shalash

    ________________________

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    *Episode produced by Four Eyes Media*

    Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

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    17 mins
  • Rebuilding After Life’s Setbacks: Jennifer Tucker & Cole Prasse

    Rebuilding After Life’s Setbacks: Jennifer Tucker & Cole Prasse
    May 29 2025
    This week, we’re joined by Jennifer Tucker, an author and illustrator. When her youngest daughter began experiencing severe panic attacks as a teenager, Jennifer found herself seeking help for her daughter, only to discover that she herself needed help for her long-ignored struggles with anxiety. Through research and the practice of using breath as prayers, Jennifer discovered powerful ways for managing anxiety while deepening her faith. Later in the episode, we’ll hear from college-age athlete Cole Prasse, who shares how a sudden cancer diagnosis upended his baseball dreams, forcing him to fight a battle he never saw coming. Through months of treatment, unexpected setbacks, and moments of deep uncertainty, he leaned on his faith and the support of those around him to find the strength to push through his toughest season yet. Links, Products, and Resources Mentioned: Jesus Calling Podcast Jesus Calling Jesus Always Jesus Listens Past interview: Desiree Siegfried Jesus Calling for Moms Jesus Calling for Graduates Jennifer Tucker sympathetic nervous system Psalm 23 NIV www.littlehousestudio.net Present in Prayer Cole Prasse Tommy John surgery Non-Hodgkin lymphoma ABVD [chemotherapy drug] ICE treatment immunotherapy Interview Quotes: “I did not know how to reconcile my own feelings of anxiety with what I thought I was supposed to be [in order to] be a good Christian. I must not have enough faith, I must not be praying enough or the right way. My personal anxiety was really enveloped in a lot of shame and a lot of just pushing it down, but inside I was struggling.” - Jennifer Tucker “The breath is the bridge between the brain and the body, and [my daughter’s psychiatrist] really emphasized how important it was to really slow down those breaths and to breathe in deeply and slowly, and exhale slowly and fully, and how significant that was.” - Jennifer Tucker “I found this idea of breath prayer where you connect that slow, deep breathing to a very simple, short prayer from God’s Word—like a little verse—and you inhale one part of it, exhale the other part of it.” - Jennifer Tucker “God’s not mad at us because we’re anxious or afraid. He knows we’re gonna feel these things. He knows we’re gonna be anxious. He knows we’re gonna worry. He comes to us not as a harsh judge, but as a loving Father.” - Jennifer Tucker “It’s an intentional choice I have to make every single day to return my heart to Christ, return my mind to the truth in His Word, and really cling to that regardless of what’s happening around me because that’s where my source of hope and peace is.” - Jennifer Tucker “For me, being a pitcher, positive self-talk is a big thing for me in my game and when I’m on the mound. Being in that hospital bed alone at night on the seventieth day that you’re there, you learn a little bit about the way that you think and the way that you process things.” - Cole Prasse “I wanted to be cancer free, and I surrounded myself with everybody that wanted me to be cancer free, and that made it a lot easier because they shared the same thoughts as me. The ministry of presence goes a long way.” - Cole Prasse “You can’t plan for things like cancer. It’s about learning, moving forward, pushing through, trusting the process, and trusting that your story is written. So you can be mad at the story that’s been written, or you can make the most of the story.” - Cole Prasse ________________________ Enjoy watching these additional videos from Jesus Calling YouTube channel! Audio Episodes: https://bit.ly/3zvjbK7 Bonus Podcasts: https://bit.ly/3vfLlGw Jesus Listens: Stories of Prayer: https://bit.ly/3Sd0a6C Peace for Everyday Life: https://bit.ly/3zzwFoj Peace in Uncertain Times: https://bit.ly/3cHfB6u What’s Good? https://bit.ly/3vc2cKj Enneagram: https://bit.ly/3hzRCCY ________________________ Connect with Jesus Calling Instagram Facebook Twitter Pinterest YouTube Website TikTok Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.
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    24 mins
  • [JESUS LISTENS MONTHLY SERIES] Prayers for Chasing Big Dreams: Paige Murray

    [JESUS LISTENS MONTHLY SERIES] Prayers for Chasing Big Dreams: Paige Murray
    May 27 2025

    On this episode of Jesus Listens: Stories of Prayer, we’re joined by rancher and rodeo wife Paige Murray. Paige shares how she met her 9x world champion rodeo husband Ty Murray, the life values they’ve learned by working on their ranch, and about her children’s book, Rosie’s Wild Ride—inspired by her daughter Oakley’s brave ride on their family Clydesdale horse.

    Guest’s Links
    Facebook: @PaigeDukeMurray

    Instagram: @paigedmurray

    Watch this interview on our YouTube channel! https://bit.ly/4j7tpVi

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    *Episode produced by Four Eyes Media*

    Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

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    9 mins
  • A Counter-Cultural Guide to Joy: Tauren Wells & Out of Eden

    A Counter-Cultural Guide to Joy: Tauren Wells & Out of Eden
    May 22 2025
    This week, we’ll hear from Tauren Wells, acclaimed recording artist and lead pastor of Church of Whitestone in Austin, Texas. Raised in Battle Creek, Michigan, Tauren’s early life was steeped in music and shaped by his experiences at a small church and the guidance of a caring youth pastor. In this conversation, Tauren reflects on the things that can steal our focus, the quiet dangers of success, and what it means to live a truly joyful life. Later in the episode, we’ll hear from Out of Eden, the ground-breaking sister trio who burst onto the scene in the nineties and helped redefine contemporary Christian music. From their early beginnings singing harmonies and choreographing dances in their living room to performing on big stages in nationwide tours, they navigated the pitfalls of growing up in the spotlight with grace beyond their years. Now, thirty years later, they’re reuniting their voices to offer hope to a new generation. Links, Products, and Resources Mentioned: Jesus Calling Podcast Jesus Calling Jesus Always Jesus Listens Past interview: Rachael Lampa Upcoming interview: Jennifer Tucker Jesus Calling for Moms Jesus Calling for Graduates Tauren Wells Church of Whitestone Matthew 5:4 NIV Joy Bomb www.taurenwells.com Out of Eden Lisa Jordan dc Talk Audio Adrenaline TobyMac Genesis 2:10 NIV Michael Guido “Lovely Day” Lovely Day 3.0 Interview Quotes: “There can be so much pressure around success of always elevating, always trying to find the next good thing, [and it] sometimes leaves our soul in a state of despair, because we’ve been focusing on the wrong things, as opposed to the way that Jesus unlocks joy for us.” - Tauren Wells “Sometimes I have a really hard time differentiating doing things for God and doing things with God. And I think that’s when our heart can be thrown upside down and all we ever feel is anxiety, fear, doubt, and despair, because we flip the beauty of the reality that we get to do life with God.” - Tauren Wells “There is a relentless joy that flows from being intentionally aware of [God’s] presence.” - Tauren Wells “Jesus preached the most important message on joy, and it was the first thing that He decided to talk about. How important to the heart of God must our happiness be just based on the priority of the message?” - Tauren Wells “Happiness and joy have nothing to do with what’s happening around you; it has everything to do with what is happening inside of you. Restoring that sense of gratitude for the ultimate price that was paid to unlock our freedom is so central to all of our lives as believers.” - Tauren Wells “We found a scripture in Genesis 2:10 that says, ‘A river flows out of Eden to water the garden.’ Once we read that, we knew that was our mission. We grew up in the church, we’ve always been plugged into the Word of God, and we really wanted to use that to minister to those who would be listening to our music.” - Andrea Kimmey-Baca of Out of Eden “I really do believe that because of our grounding in the Word of God and having a community of believers surrounding us, that we were able to ride the harder waves and talk out the things that were more confusing to us.” - Danielle Kimmey of Out of Eden “We just wanted to honor the fans who kept our name and our legacy and our music alive.” - Danielle Kimmey of Out of Eden “We were in an industry that wasn’t really built for our style of music. I think that presented a lot of challenges for us, and gave us the opportunity to not only overcome those challenges, but also have the right heart posture.” - Lisa Kimmey of Out of Eden “For anyone who is going through these current times—we need hope, we need joy.” - Out of Eden ________________________ Enjoy watching these additional videos from Jesus Calling YouTube channel! Audio Episodes: https://bit.ly/3zvjbK7 Bonus Podcasts: https://bit.ly/3vfLlGw Jesus Listens: Stories of Prayer: https://bit.ly/3Sd0a6C Peace for Everyday Life: https://bit.ly/3zzwFoj Peace in Uncertain Times: https://bit.ly/3cHfB6u What’s Good? https://bit.ly/3vc2cKj Enneagram: https://bit.ly/3hzRCCY ________________________ Connect with Jesus Calling Instagram Facebook Twitter Pinterest YouTube Website TikTok Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.
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    29 mins
  • [BONUS] Coping with Uncertainty and Fear

    [BONUS] Coping with Uncertainty and Fear
    May 20 2025

    Welcome to a special bonus episode of the Jesus Calling Podcast. Today, we’ll hear from a number of guests who have previously appeared on the show, giving us their insights and guidance about what helps them when they experience fear and uncertainty in their lives—including Curtis Chang, Jennie Finch, Dr. Michelle Bengston, Dr. Henry Cloud, and Jesse Hutch.

    Links, Products, and Resources Mentioned:

    Jesus Calling Podcast

    Jesus Calling

    Jesus Always

    Jesus Listens

    Curtis Chang

    Jennie Finch

    Dr. Michelle Bengston

    Dr. Henry Cloud

    Jesse Hutch

    For more interviews like this, check out the Peace for Uncertain Times series on the Jesus Calling YouTube channel: https://bit.ly/3cHfB6u

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    *Episode produced by Four Eyes Media*

    Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

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    23 mins
  • Echoes of Courage, Whispers of Grace: Emily Compagno & Brooke Martin

    Echoes of Courage, Whispers of Grace: Emily Compagno & Brooke Martin
    May 15 2025
    This week, we’re joined by Emily Compagno, an attorney, television host, and advocate for those who serve. From her time as an NFL cheerleader on a USO tour in Iraq, to her work honoring the faith and sacrifice of service members, Emily shares powerful stories of courage, loss, and the unshakable presence of God in the midst of battle. Later in the episode, we’ll hear from author, speaker, and former news anchor Brooke Martin. Brooke reached a point in life where she had nearly everything she had hoped for—a thriving career as a news anchor, a loving family, and a future that seemed bright. But everything changed in an instant when she received devastating news about her unborn daughter. Faced with a heartbreaking loss, Brooke and her husband made a courageous decision—one that would redefine their faith and deepen their understanding of God. Links, Products, and Resources Mentioned: Jesus Calling Podcast Jesus Calling Jesus Always Jesus Listens Past interview: Scotty Hasting Upcoming interview: Tauren Wells Jesus Calling for Moms Jesus Calling for Graduates Emily Compagno United Service Organizations (USO) Outnumbered on Fox News Under His Wings Space Academy Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) Reserve Officers’ Training Corps (ROTC) Bob Hope Oakland Raiders Improvised Explosive Device (IED) Brooke Martin Temple University Anencephaly www.morewithbrookemartin.com Controlled Burn Interview Quotes: “My mom says her philosophy was that of a gardener—not a sculptor—in that she planted and then sat back and watched the garden grow, rather than sculpting out what she wanted us to look like.” - Emily Compagno “I was just so struck by these earnest and selfless and determined men and women who were serving on behalf of our country so that we could enjoy our freedoms.” - Emily Compagno “I will not presume to speak for those incredible veterans who have such a special inner strength that enables them to stare death in the face. Every single individual has a unique voice as to what inspires them and what encourages them and what ultimately leads to their faith and to their relationship with God.” - Emily Compagno “There are an incredible number of people who walk through infant loss. I’m so grateful for the people who are willing to step into the fire with you and hold your hand through it.” - Brooke Martin “What I experienced in the hospital room made me realize that I had been taking a penny when God had been offering me the riches of heaven.” - Brooke Martin “Something happens when we are able to empathize with Jesus and His suffering. There is an intimacy that is born and it changes your prayer life because it changes your relationship.” - Brooke Martin ________________________ Enjoy watching these additional videos from Jesus Calling YouTube channel! Audio Episodes: https://bit.ly/3zvjbK7 Bonus Podcasts: https://bit.ly/3vfLlGw Jesus Listens: Stories of Prayer: https://bit.ly/3Sd0a6C Peace for Everyday Life: https://bit.ly/3zzwFoj Peace in Uncertain Times: https://bit.ly/3cHfB6u What’s Good? https://bit.ly/3vc2cKj Enneagram: https://bit.ly/3hzRCCY ________________________ Connect with Jesus Calling Instagram Facebook Twitter Pinterest YouTube Website TikTok Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.
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    32 mins
  • Unconditional Love: The Key to Real Change with Richard Rohr & Zach Meerkreebs

    Unconditional Love: The Key to Real Change with Richard Rohr & Zach Meerkreebs
    May 8 2025
    *This episode mentions suicide and may be triggering for some listeners. This week, we’re diving into something truly transformative—the power of love to change everything. First, we hear from Father Richard Rohr, who shares his lifetime of wisdom about how experiencing deep, unconditional love—not rules or fear—is what really brings about meaningful change. Then, Pastor Zach Meerkreebs takes us to Asbury University, where a truly extraordinary event happened in that faith community. He reminds us that following Jesus’ example of humility can open our lives up to amazing possibilities. Links, Products, and Resources Mentioned: Jesus Calling Podcast Jesus Calling Jesus Always Jesus Listens Past interview: The Power of Love Upcoming interview: Emily Compango Jesus Calling for Moms Jesus Calling for Graduates Father Richard Rohr Franciscans Center For Action and Contemplation Hosea 2 NIV Isaiah 40-55 NIV Lamentations Ephesians 4:26 NIV Day of Grief 1 Corinthians 13:13 NIV “For When People Ask” by Rosemary Watola Trommer www.CAC.org The Tears of Things Pastor Zach Meerkreebs Asbury University Romans 12:9-21 NIV Matthew 11:28-30 NIV Luke 14 NIV Lower: Igniting Spiritual Awakening Through Radical Humility Interview Quotes: “‘Don’t let the sun go down on your anger,’ the New Testament says. But that doesn’t say, ‘Don’t be angry.’ Right now there is so much that deserves anger—the wars in our world, how we treat the very ones Jesus told us to love, the little ones, the rejected ones. That comes from an excess of anger and a deficiency of sadness.” - Fr. Richard Rohr “An experience of infinite, unconditional love—that’s the only thing that changes us.” - Fr. Richard Rohr “We can’t authentically love one another without experiencing the authentic love of Jesus first.” - Zach Meerkreebs “Within a couple of days, it had been spread around the world that God was moving on the campus [of Asbury University], and we started having guests from South America and the Middle East and Asia to come and encounter God at our chapel service.” - Zach Meerkreebs “Humility really is a foundation in what’s countercultural, captivating, convicting and compelling of the Christian walk.” - Zach Meerkreebs “If you read Scripture and you study the person of Jesus, humility is the most captivating thing about Him.” - Zach Meerkreebs “Because I understand who I am and I understand who God is, that drives me to pray. I want to spend time with Him, because I know my life is better when I spend time with Him and when I listen to His voice.” - Zach Meerkreebs _______________________ Enjoy watching these additional videos from Jesus Calling YouTube channel! Audio Episodes: https://bit.ly/3zvjbK7 Bonus Podcasts: https://bit.ly/3vfLlGw Jesus Listens: Stories of Prayer: https://bit.ly/3Sd0a6C Peace for Everyday Life: https://bit.ly/3zzwFoj Peace in Uncertain Times: https://bit.ly/3cHfB6u What’s Good? https://bit.ly/3vc2cKj Enneagram: https://bit.ly/3hzRCCY ________________________ Connect with Jesus Calling Instagram Facebook Twitter Pinterest YouTube Website TikTok Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.
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    26 mins
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