Cia: Contagious Influencers Of America

It’s the 200th episode of the Contagious Influencers of America Podcast and we're bringing in two very special people to celebrate the milestone. Film producer/actor Kevin Downes and co-director/composer Brent McCorkle join nine-time Emmy winner, David Sams, to talk about the latest blockbuster film they released with the Erwin brothers, “Jesus Revolution.” The faith-based film sparked a movement as it outperformed every projection in theaters and now is available on demand, digital, Blu-Ray, and DVD. The three also discuss life in the movie industry so soak up this master class and hear what’s coming in the pipeline next. #JesusRevolution #KevinDownes #BrentMcCorkle

Talk about what’s meant to be will always find its way! Nationally renowned artist, Anne Neilson, is living proof. In her new memoir called, “The Brushstrokes of Life,” Anne details her winding journey to her successful painting career. Growing up in a broken home, flunking out of college, and focusing on raising her four kids all were trials set to derail her passions in life, but faith stepped in. Nine-time Emmy winner, David Sams, gets to hear it all from the artist who is known for her ethereal Angel Series paintings, which are reflections of her faith. #AnneNeilson #TheBrushstrokesofLife #AnneNeilsonAngels

Blended families are a special kind of family, but it’s one that comes with a set of special needs. Whether you are a single parent bringing in a new partner into your family or becoming a bonus parent to someone’s child, that adjustment takes time and some hard work for everyone involved. Best-selling author Stephen Arterburn is helping with that in his latest two books: “Understanding and Loving Your Bonus Child” and “Understanding and Loving Your Child As a Single Parent.” Stephen is the founder and chairmen of New Life Ministries and host of the #1 nationally syndicated Christian counseling talk show, “New Life Live!” Nine-time Emmy winner, David Sams, learns some important tips for parents for the modern day. #StephenArterburn #NewLifeLive #BlendedFamilies

Does it feel like you and your spouse are more like roommates than lovers? Let Dr. Johnny and Lezlyn Parker help reignite that spark and deepen your connection. Nine-time Emmy winner, David Sams, sits down with the “relationship architects” to understand how they help couples build marriages that flourish. Working as speakers, life coaches, and chaplains for multiple professional teams like the Washington Commanders and the Pittsburgh Steelers, the Parkers have inspired over 200,000 couples over the years. The couple also shares their own personal story of redemption. In their new “Kiss to Bliss” master course at Lovestories.com, you can learn how to engage in a fun and positive habit to bring you and your spouse closer. #LoveStories #KisstoBliss #Parkers

It always seems impossible until it is done! George Foreman’s story is the epitome of a comeback and defying the odds. Now George’s story is hitting the big-screen in a biopic called “Big George Foreman: The Miraculous Story of the Once and Future Heavyweight Champion of the World.” The movie is in theaters on April 28th. Nine-time Emmy winner, David Sams, sits down with George Foreman himself ahead of the film’s release to talk about his life. Hear stories about his impoverished childhood, “The Rumble in the Jungle,” and so much more. On this episode you’ll also get a first-hand account of George’s near-death experience that took him from the boxing ring to the pulpit. #BigGeorgeForeman #SONYPictures #AFFIRMFilms

Baseball is back in full swing for the 2023 MLB season, but this episode we’re heading back to the time of home run races and the “steroid era.” Nine-time Emmy winner, David Sams, sits down with former MLB relief pitcher, Jason Grimsley. Jason played for seven teams over a memorable 15-year career. He was also a part of the 1999 and 2000 World Series champion New York Yankees. But Jason’s life was anything but easy. Jason shares his story of depression, near-suicide, the controversy surrounding the infamous doping scandal of 2007 and FBI raid on his home; and how he ultimately found God’s love as shared in his new book, “Cross Stitched: From Ruin to Restoration”. #JasonGrimsley #CrossStitchedBook #MLB

When you make history in Hollywood, you know you’re doing something right. Angel Studios’ Original Feature Film, “His Only Son,” is the first theatrical release that has been crowdfunded in entertainment history. Nine-time Emmy winner, David Sams, chats with the CEO of Angel Studios, Neal Harmon, ahead of the film’s big screen debut on March 31st. The movie tells the Biblical story of Abraham and Isaac. David also peels back the curtain on the studio that was behind the popular “The Chosen” series and its successful business model that puts the decision making in the fans hands. More info on “His Only Son” can be found here, just in time for Easter. #HisOnlySon #AngelStudios #TheChosen

Be a fly on the wall and listen to real Hollywood stories from the pros! Ever wonder how some iconic TV shows became a hit? Well nine-time Emmy winner David Sams sits down with Butch Hartman, creator of Nickelodeon's The Fairly OddParents and his wife, Julieann, to talk about their time in tinsel town and their new passion project, “The Garden”. It's a Christ-centered children’s cartoon that’s teaching the gospel in a simple, fun, and entertaining way for the next generation!  The animated series will live on “The Garden” App that launches on April 1st. You can even virtually attend the live event by registering here. The app gives kids 24/7 access to every available episode and exclusive curriculum, games, and songs. Butch and Julieann also chat about “The Garden Children’s Bible” that’s illustrated by Butch, and their first album called “Songs From The Garden.”  #TheGardenCartoon #ButchHartman #FairlyOddParents #DannyPhantom

Does it ever feel like moms would be better off with 8 arms to juggle all that’s asked of them? Well Paula Faris is reminding mothers that “You Don’t Have to Carry It All.” That’s the name of the award-winning journalist’s latest book. After creating CARRY Media in 2022 to support the 35 million working moms in America, Paula is now giving practical and insightful steps for those moms feeling overwhelmed. Nine-time Emmy winner, David Sams, catches up with the former ABC news anchor and “The View” co-host about her book. He finds out why moms are feeling the “mom guilt,” how to stop it, and why it’s time for companies to realize the power of moms in the workplace. #PaulaFaris #CARRYMedia #YouDontHaveToCarryItAll

The Queen is in the house! The queen of Christian fiction that is. Karen Kingsbury has more than 25 million copies of her award-winning books in print and many of them have been developed into Hallmark Films and major motion pictures. The latest is the best-selling “A Thousand Tomorrows,” which is now adapted into a Pure Flix series that is streaming now. It’s a captivating love story between two rodeo stars whose love must face the ultimate challenge. Nine-Time Emmy winner, David Sams, sits down with not only Karen, but her son, Tyler Russell, who helped co-write the series. The two talk about their dynamic mother-son relationship that is taking their projects to the next level. Plus, they also discuss their latest book, “Being Baxters,” and starting their very own production company. Karen Kingsbury Productions just completed work on Karen’s next feature film called “Someone Like You.” #AThousandTomorrows #KarenKingsbury #PureFlix

Actress, singer, now children’s book author! Chrissy Metz, best known as Kate Pearson on TV's previous hit show “This Is Us” is adding to her resume with a new children’s book called “When I Talk To God, I Talk About You.” It’s co-written with her songwriting boyfriend, Bradley Collins. But just how did they meet? Nine-time Emmy winner, David Sams, chats with both about their love story and what inspired them to write this book about prayer. Chrissy and Bradley also collaborated to create a collection of lullabies to accompany the book called “Prayed For This Day” and say it all started on a dating app.  #WhenITalkToGod #PrayedForThisDay #ChrissyMetz

Have you ever wondered what Jesus would say if he had his own TED Talk? Well, newsflash! He basically already gave us one. It’s called “Jesus’ Sermon on the Mount.” Dr. Robert Jeffress breaks down this popular sermon in his book, “18 Minutes With Jesus.” Nine-time Emmy winner, David Sams, finds out from Dr. Jeffress how you can take your Christian walk to the next level by understanding and following Jesus’ teachings. Sams also gets insight from the Dallas pastor and Fox News Contributor about the art of compromise and how to handle divisive topics. #RobertJeffress #18MinutesWithJesus #FirstDallas

It’s time to pull out those bellbottoms and tie-dye tops! We’re heading back to the 70s at the theaters for the movie “Jesus Revolution.” This is the latest project from film directors, screenwriters, and film producers, Jon and Andy Erwin, otherwise known as the Erwin brothers. The movie takes us back to a true story when a hippie-street-preacher (Jonathan Roumie best known as Jesus in "The Chosen") meets Pastor Chuck Smith (Kelsey Grammer) and together become the catalyst of a spiritual awakening. The Erwins sit down with nine-time Emmy winner, David Sams, to talk about the movie, the movement and their journey to becoming filmmakers. Hear the history of the true story and behind the scenes moments that will uplift and inspire. In theaters February 24th. #JesusRevolutionMovie #ErwinBrothers #KelseyGrammer #JonathanRoumie

John Schneider is getting back to his roots where his career started, on stage! You probably know him from TV’s “Dukes of Hazzard” or “Smallville” or heard him on the Country music charts, but now on February 20th ONLY, you can see him in theaters starring in “The Confession.” So how did he end up in this Amish love story based off the best-selling book series by Beverly Lewis? Nine-time Emmy winner, David Sams, talks with John about being a part of musical that was recorded in front of a live audience. Plus, John opens up about his wife’s recent health challenges that has him doubling down on his faith. #JohnSchneider #ConfessionMusicalMovie #ChondaPierce #BeverlyLewis 

Award-winning comedian, Chonda Pierce, is used to being on stage in front of an audience, but this time instead of telling stories and making people laugh, she’s starring in a musical! “The Confession” is about an Amish love story and is based off the multi-million selling book series written by Beverly Lewis. It’s in theaters for one day only, February 20th. Nine-time Emmy winner, David Sams, talks with Chonda about starring in this musical alongside John Schneider. He also catches up with the comedian about her recent move and embracing her current season in life. #ConfessionMusicalMovie #ChondaPierce #BeverlyLewis #JohnSchneider

In 1966 TIME Magazine posed a question on their magazine cover: “Is God Dead?” But just five years later their cover featured a psychedelic drawing with the words, “Jesus Revolution.” So what changed? The answer can only be described as a spiritual awakening. Pastor of the Harvest Christian Fellowship Church and author, Greg Laurie, was at the origin of it all as a young teenager in Southern California. Now his story is being portrayed on the big screen in the film “Jesus Revolution.” Greg invites nine-time Emmy winner, David Sams, to his church office in Irvine, California to talk about his coming-of-age story. As Greg described he was “searching for all the right things, in all the wrong places” until he met a hippie-street-preacher and found love, hope and faith. “Jesus Revolution” is from the creators of “I Can Only Imagine” and is in theaters everywhere February 24th. #JesusRevolutionMovie #GregLaurie #FacesOfTheJesusRevolution

Having healthy boundaries isn't just a good idea, it's a God idea and can actually be an act of love. New York Times best-selling author, Lysa TerKeurst, is diving into that very idea in her latest book “Good Boundaries and Goodbyes.” Following her divorce, Lysa opens up with nine-time Emmy winner, David Sams, about her relational struggles and how she is now setting healthy boundaries. Lysa shares how she’s committed more than ever to loving people without losing the best of who she is. Now, she’s helping you do the same! #LysaTerKeurst #GoodBoundariesAndGoodbyes #Proverbs31Ministries

In a stress-ridden society, life can often feel overwhelming and exhausting! But popular L.A. pastor Chad Veach is offering a solution: prayer. His latest book is called, “Worried About Everything Because I Pray About Nothing.” Chad lays out common hesitations involving prayer with nine-time Emmy winner, David Sams, and gives practical advice to start praying regularly. So sit back, relax, and find spiritual comfort in prayer!   #ChadVeach #ZoeChurchLA #WorriedAboutEverythingPrayAboutNothing

Calling all women who want to grow spiritually but don’t seem to have enough time in the day. This podcast is for you! Angela Perritt is the founder and director of Love God Greatly, a non-profit international ministry for women. What started as a Bible study solution for a busy mom has now turned into an international mission to fight against biblical illiteracy. Nine-time Emmy winner, David Sams, unravels countless stories about Love God Greatly’s 60 volunteer translators that provide their Bible studies and resources in over 35 languages to over 100 countries! Angela also talks about its “Young Women Love God Greatly Bible” designed especially for teens and young adult women. #LoveGodGreatly #LGGBibleStudies #TheGodWhoRestores

It’s that time of year for twinkling lights, hot cocoa next to a fire, and a Hallmark kind of romance! Well nine-time Emmy winner and host, David Sams, is getting to experience it ALL this season. Just weeks away from his Christmas-time wedding at his family lodge in Ohio, David is not only introducing you to his bride-to-be, Shelly Ann, but two other incredible women! Zahra Heydari is a licensed marriage and family therapist and author of the book “Stop The Bleeding: Your Emotional Rescue.” And Jackie Dorman is a matchmaker and relationship coach that can be found at lovestories.com. She also has a book out called “Married in 12 Months or Less.” The four sit down to discuss it all. In sharing David and Shelly Ann’s story, the hope is it can help you find your own. #LoveStories #MarriedIn12MonthsOrLess #StopTheBleeding