CIA: Contagious Influencers of America

“Your family, they aren’t in the way, they are the way.” The remarkable true story of the Smallbones is coming to theaters nationwide on April 26. Luke Smallbone, a quadruple GRAMMY®-winning artist and one-half of the pop-duo “for King + Country,” sits down with nine-time Emmy winner David Sams to talk about the movie “Unsung Hero.” It follows the dad, David Smallbone (played by Luke’s brother and music partner, Joel) who moves his large family from the Down Under to America for a brighter future. Ultimately, it’s their mom’s faith and love that inspires the family to persevere. In the end, the children go on to become two of the most successful acts in Christian music history: for King + Country and Rebecca St. James. Hear what Luke has to say about being a producer on the film and what he hopes people will take away from the movie. Get your tickets now at UnsungHero.Movie. #UnsungHeroMovie #ForKingAndCountry #LukeSmallbone #JoelSmallbone #RebeccaStJames #KingdomStoryCompany #KeepTheFaith #DavidSams #ContagiousInfluencers

How can you live out your faith in everyday life? Pastor Allen Jackson is here to guide your path. And no, we're not talking about the country star either. He’s the senior pastor at World Outreach Church right outside Nashville, TN that has grown from just 30 people to now over 15 thousand under his decades of leadership. Nine-time Emmy winner David Sams sits down with Allen at the homestead to learn about his childhood, personal hardships, and his hope for the future. You can hear more from Allen by subscribing to his daily devotional called, “Today with Allen Jackson” or listening to The Allen Jackson Podcast. His Culture & Christianity Conference is happening April 26 & 27 and more information is available at Allen Jackson Ministries. #PastorAllenJackson #WorldOutreachChurch #CultureandChristianity #AllenJacksonMinistries #KeepTheFaith #DavidSams #ContagiousInfluencer

Sometimes the only mode of transportation to take you where you want to go is a leap of faith! You would think someone as successful as New York Times bestselling author, Karen Kingsbury, wouldn’t need to take risks anymore, but Karen and her family used their life savings to fulfill her dream of making her fan-favorite book, “Someone Like You,” into a movie on her terms! Nine-time Emmy winner David Sams sits down with Karen and her son, Tyler Russell, who happens to be the director of the film, to go behind the scenes. “Someone Like You” explores the healing power of forgiveness and the beauty of second chances. It’s in theaters April 2. You can get your tickets now at Someone Like You | In Theaters April 2 #SomeoneLikeYouMovie #KarenKingsbury #NewMovie #IVF #IVFjourey #KeepTheFaith #ContagiousInfluencers #DavidSams

He’s worked with some of the biggest names in the Christian music industry and now he’s here to give you a how-to manual for singers, artists, and really anyone wanting a career in the music business. Scott Brickell is the founder and CEO of BrickHouse Entertainment and currently manages artists like MercyMe, Cain, and Micah Tyler. He’s also previously managed and consulted bands such as Switchfoot and Audio Adrenaline. Nine-time Emmy winner David Sams sits down with Scott to find out what people need to be successful in today’s music world, and we’ll give you a hint, it’s not just talent alone. David also asks Scott about being portrayed by Trace Adkins in the hit movie: “I Can Only Imagine.” You can read more of Scott’s advice in his book: “The Business Behind the Song.” #ScottBrickell #TheBusinessBehindTheSong #BrickhouseEntertainment #TraceAdkins #ICanOnlyImagine #MercyMe #DavidSams #KeepTheFaith #ContagiousInfluencer

Miracles happen every day, and when your last name is quite literally Miracle, you have to believe it! As author and speaker Gary Miracle describes it, his life caught up to his name in 2020 when an infection nearly killed him after going into septic shock and caused him to lose his arms and legs. His incredible story reached the world when the Grammy-nominated Christian band “MercyMe” shared it through their music video “Say I Won’t.” Now Gary sits down with Nine-time Emmy winner David Sams to chat about his personal story of survival, relationship with lead singer Bart Millard, and new outlook on life. Gary’s book, “No More Bad Days” is an inspiration for anyone who has experienced loss or trauma. #GaryMiracleSpeaks #MercyMe #NoMoreBadDays #SayIWont #DavidSams #KeepTheFaith #ContagiousInfluencer

C.S. Lewis said it best: “You are never too old to set another goal or to dream a new dream!” As you think about your goals and aspirations for the new year, let Hope Darst be your source of inspiration. Hope is a Christian singer, songwriter, and worship leader who signed her first record deal in 2019 at the age of 39. Before her professional singing career skyrocketed, she was busy as a mom and worship leader at The Belonging Co. in Nashville. Nine-time Emmy winner David Sams sits down with Hope at his homestead to talk about how her story is one only God could write. They also discuss her biggest song to date “Peace Be Still” and her music in her latest EP “If The Lord Builds The House.” #HopeDarst #PeaceBeStill #IfTheLordBuildsTheHouse #Worship #DavidSams #KeepTheFaith #ContagiousInfluencer

Does the state of the world have you entering 2024 with fear and anxiety instead of hope for a better future? World renowned evangelist and motivational speaker, Nick Vujicic, was born without arms or legs and is here to offer a dose of reality, but more importantly fill you up with empowerment to take action. Nine-time Emmy winner, David Sams, sits down with Nick to hear about all his future endeavors. Nick is one of the guest speakers for “Hope Together: Called to Care” an online event coming to KeepTheFaith.com this April. It is designed to encourage and uplift coaches, counselors, caregivers, or anyone whose been called to help and serve others. Presented by KeepTheFaith and Hope For the Heart. #NickVujicic #ChampionsForTheBrokenHearted #KeepTheFaith #CalledToCare #HopeForTheHeart #HopeTogether #DavidSams #ContagiousInfluencer #lifewithoutlimbs

New year, new you? If you’re finding yourself unexpectedly starting a new chapter in life, Brandi Wilson is here to offer words of wisdom from her own life experience. Brandi is a certified personal and executive coach, but before all of that she was a pastor’s wife at one of the largest congregations in Tennessee. That is until her husband of 20 years left her, leaving her life and dreams shattered. Nine-time Emmy winner David Sams sits down with Brandi to discuss how she found hope and healing after her marriage ended, and how she carried-on for her three boys. Her story is detailed in her book: “Better Than Okay.” More about Brandi at lovebrandiwilson.com. #BrandiWilson #BetterThanOkayBook #SingleMoms #DavidSams #KeepTheFaith #ContagiousInfluencer

It’s time to cuddle up next to the fire with a warm cup of hot cocoa this holiday season and listen to one of the sweetest and most soothing voices to come onto our podcast. Bestselling author and sought-after Bible teacher and speaker, Lisa Harper, is sitting down with nine-time Emmy winner David Sams to talk about her new devotional “Jesus.” It’s a follow-up to her bestselling devotional “Life” and stays true with her beloved, humorous, and relatable voice. In this episode Lisa will not only dive into what “walking with Jesus” means in everyday life, but also gets personal with stories about her father, adoptive daughter, and outlook on singleness. #LisaHarper #JesusDevotional #BackPorchTheology #DavidSams #KeepTheFaith #ContagiousInfluencer

It’s almost time to say goodbye to 2023 and hello to a new year, but not without a moment of reflection. Nine-time Emmy winner and host, David Sams, sits down with Amercian Idol finalist and recording artist Colton Dixon who’s had a big year to say the least. Colton was one of the topmost played Christian artists in 2023 with his No. 1 hit “Build A Boat (Feat. Gabby Barrett) and recent single “My Light.” He also made his NFL debut with a National Anthem performance for the defending Super Bowl champs, The Kansas City Chiefs. But before the year ends, Colton has one more big endeavor and that’s his current “Home For Christmas” single and tour. Colton talks about it all plus some of his favorite Christmas memories and traditions he shares with his toddler twin girls in this latest episode of the Contagious Influencers of America. #ColtonDixonMusic #MyLight #HomeForChristmas #David Sams #BuildABoat #KeepTheFaith #ContagiousInfluencer

Julie Chen Moonves is always telling the house guests on Big Brother to “expect the unexpected,” but when real life threw Julie a major curveball in 2018, only God was able to pull her through it. The longtime CBS game host and former moderator of “The Talk” shares her transformative spiritual awakening in her audio memoir called “But First, God.” It’s a unique conversational audio experience. Nine-time Emmy winner David Sams catches up with Julie to learn about the highs and lows of her journey and how she lives her life today. #ButFirstGod #JulieChenMoonves #ButFirst #God101 #BigBrother #DavidSams #KeepTheFaith #ContagiousInfluencer

‘Tis the season! “America’s pastor,” Max Lucado, is joining nine-time Emmy winner David Sams on the Contagious Influencers of America podcast to help get you in the Christmas spirit. As always, Max brings his poetic storytelling to the table sharing about Jesus being born and his own personal overcomer story that inspired his latest best seller book: “God Never Gives Up On You.” You can see Max on the big screen this week, December 5, 6, & 7 only, for his live Christmas concert event, “Max Lucado’s Because of Bethlehem”. Plus, Max will share the life-changing Christmas story along with his own holiday memories. #MaxLucado #BecauseofBethlehemMovie #Christmas #DavidSams #KeepTheFaith #ContagiousInfluencers

How does it feel to always be the bad guy? Neal McDonough has an idea. The actor has played some of the biggest villains in TV shows like “Desperate Housewives,” “Suits,” and “Yellowstone.” In fact, he’s filmed over 50 death scenes in his career! Now the veteran actor, known also for his appearance in “Band of Brothers,” is taking on portraying the biggest villain of them all, Satan. It’s in the new film called “The Shift” that hits theaters December 1. It’s from the same studio that brought us “Sound of Freedom” and is a modern-day sci-fi retelling of the book of Job. Nine-time Emmy winner David Sams talks with Neal about taking on this daunting role, reshaping his career when he was criticized for refusing to kiss on screen, and so much more. You can get more information about “The Shift” movie at Angel.com/TheShift. #NealMcDonough #AngelStudios #TheShiftFilm #DavidSams #KeepTheFaith #ContagiousInfluencer

You may not normally describe a Christian film as a “dystopian drama” and “sci-fi thriller,” but the new movie from Angel Studios is exactly that, giving a fresh take on a redemptive story. Nine-time Emmy winner David Sams visits with starring actor Kristoffer Polaha ("Wonder Woman 1984", "Jurassic World Dominion") and producer Ken Carpenter of the film “The Shift.” It’s in theaters nationwide on December 1. In this story, Kristoffer plays a man longing to reconnect with the woman he loves, but along the way, he must confront an enemy offering wealth and power. In this interview, Kristoffer and Ken share the inspiration behind this film and what they hope to accomplish with a Christian film that is outside the box. #TheShiftFilm #AngelStudios #AmplifyLight #SciFi #KristofferPolaha #KeepTheFaith #ContagiousInfluencer

Did you know American’s will gobble up over 40 million turkeys this holiday season? But there’s always at least one who escapes the dinner table thanks to a turkey pardon. Raymond Arroyo, Award-winning broadcast journalist and New York Times bestselling author, dives into the history of the very first turkey pardon in his “family picture book” called “The Magnificent Mischief of Tad Lincoln.” It’s the latest release from his Turnabout Tales series that tell true stories of small moments that can create big change. Nine-time Emmy winner David Sams catches up with Raymond to learn more about the book that delivers messages of hope, forgiveness, and a father-son bond. They also chat about Raymond’s childhood and his new Christmas music album called “Christmas Merry & Bright.” Raymond is going on tour with this music. You can get more information about his book and tour at RaymondArroyo.com #RaymondArroyo #TurnaboutTales #TurkeyPardon #ChristmasMerryandBright #DavidSams #KeepTheFaith #ContagiousInfluencer

It’s becoming that time of year, to sip on hot cocoa, enjoy the Christmas decorations…and rock out! The Trans-Siberian Orchestra’s music is a staple over the holiday season and you can experience it all during their 2023 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 2023 Winter Tour: “The Ghosts of Christmas Eve: The Best of TSO and More!” 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 trans-siberian.com/tour. #TransSiberianOrchestra #TSOTime #TSO #ChristmasMusic #AlPitrelli #DavidSams #KeepTheFaith #ContagiousInfluencer

If you’re going to a sporting event, you’re going to make sure you have your glasses on to be able to see all the action crystal clear. Well, Rabbi Jason Sobel says the same can be said about reading the Bible! Rabbi Sobel, a bestselling author, is helping you experience God’s word in “high-definition” with his latest book: “Signs and Secrets of the Messiah: A Fresh Look at the Miracles of Jesus.” Nine-time Emmy winner David Sams has Rabbi Sobel uncover hidden meanings into some of the ancient miracles. From turning water into wine, to healing the man at the pool of Bethesda, you will end this episode with a deeper understanding that can be applied to your life today! Note: This interview was completed days before the horrific October 7 attack on Israel. Follow @RabbiJasonSobel for his daily prayer and insight on the current conflict. #RabbiJasonSobel #SignsandSecrets #Miracles #DavidSams # KeepTheFaith #ContagiousInfluencer

Did Mary break out into song and dance when she found out she was called to give birth to Jesus? Maybe not in actuality, but as you celebrate Christmas this season you can watch the nativity story in a way never done before. “Journey to Bethlehem” is a live-action Christmas musical and is in theaters starting November 10. Nine-time Emmy winner David Sams sits down with director Adam Anders, who’s earned multiple People’s Choice Awards and four Grammy Award nominations for his previous work in productions like “Glee” and “Rock of Ages.” They are also joined by producer Alan Powell with his own storied career as actor/writer/musician. The two talk about creating a joyful musical of “the greatest story ever told” that is ideal for the whole family. They also chat about landing Academy Award®-nominee, Antonio Banderas, to star alongside other popular names like Joel Smallbone from for KING & COUNTRY and Lecrae. #JourneyToBethlehem #JTBMovie #NewRelease #KeepTheFaith #ContagiousInfluencers #DavidSams #AdamAnders #AlanPowell #FionaPalomo #MiloManheim #Lecrae #JoelSmallbone #AntonioBanderas Tickets available at https://www.journeytobethlehemmovie.com.

Another day, another encouraging movie! Actor and film producer Kevin Sorbo is in theaters again, this time with a family-friendly comedy. “Miracle in East Texas” is in theaters October 29th and 30th only. It’s a tall tale based on an absolutely true story about the biggest oil strike in the history of the world. While it’s a whole lot of fun, it also has a message of integrity, redemption, and miracles. Nine-time Emmy winner David Sams sits down with Kevin, who also stars in the film alongside his wife, Sam, to talk about the movie and all the other projects he’s currently working on. Visit sorbostudios.com for more info or to pay a ticket forward. #MiracleinEastTexas #KevinSorbo #SamSorbo #SorboStudios #DavidSams #KeepTheFaith #ContagiousInfluencer

You can fake a smile, but you can’t fake your feelings. For decades comedian Jeff Allen had people laughing on television networks and shows like “America’s Got Talent and “Dry Bar Comedy,” but was crying on the inside. Now he’s finding himself with a revitalized marriage and a repurposed career. Nine-time Emmy winner David Sams sits down with Jeff to talk about his journey to finding meaning in life. He also shares some of his most memorable moments as a comedian, including coining the phrase “Happy Wife, Happy Life.” Jeff’s comedic and inspirational memoir is called “Are We There Yet?”. #JeffAllen #AreWeThereYet #Comedy #HappyWifeHappyLife #DavidSams #KeepTheFaith #ContagiousInfluencer