Christian Music Guys

On today’s show, we chat with Leanna Crawford!
Sharing songs that speak honestly about doubt and insecurity as well as the hope Christ offers in our darkest moments, Leanna Crawford’s listeners find solace in her kind and wise words while tapping their feet along to contagious, pop-inspired beats. In her career to date, she has been writing, touring, and singing with some of the biggest names in the Christian music industry such as Michael W. Smith, Matt Maher, Matthew West, and Jeremy Camp, to name a few. While her music displays the vocal and songwriting talent of a star in CCM, it is her grounded and honest lyrics that make her feel more like a friend, more approachable than untouchable.
Throughout her upbringing, Leanna has always put her trust in Jesus when it comes to leading her down the right path and navigating everyday worries. Leanna’s faith keeps her grounded amidst the chaos of change and external forces; turning to Jesus when life becomes too much allows her to be honest with herself. Through her songwriting, Leanna is able to explore her feelings while praising God and putting her trust in Him.  Still Waters is out now!

leannacrawford.com

@leannacrawordmusic

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On today’s show, we chat with Kevin Downes!

Kingdom Story Company, in an exclusive partnership with Lionsgate, creates life-changing content from a variety of talented storytellers. Helmed by Kevin Downes, Andrew Erwin, Jon Erwin, and Tony Young, the Kingdom Story Company brand is synonymous with hope, bringing true and inspiring content to the big screen. As pioneers of inspiring storytelling, their features include I CAN ONLY IMAGINE, AMERICAN UNDERDOG, I STILL BELIEVE, and JOHNNY CASH: THE REDEMPTION OF AN AMERICAN ICON, and JESUS REVOLUTION, UNSUNG HERO, ORDINARY ANGELS, and more!

From the world of Wonder, which sparked a movement to "choose kind," comes the inspirational next chapter: WHITE BIRD. Struggling to fit in at his new school after being expelled for his treatment of Auggie Pullman, Julian (Bryce Gheisar) is visited by his grandmother (Helen Mirren) and is transformed by the compassionate and heroic story of her attempts to escape Nazi-occupied France during WWII. From the director of Finding Neverland, WHITE BIRD reminds us to be brave and choose kindness.

whitebird.movie

@whitebirdmovie

@kingdomstorycompany

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On today's show, we chat with Michael Tait & Adam Agee with the Newsboys!

Newsboys, have released their anthemic new album Worldwide Revival (Part One) out now. Featuring eight new songs, including the previously released “Heaven On Earth” and “He Lives,” the album was crafted with the intention of creating a collection of new songs deeply rooted in Biblical truth and driven by fervent prayer.

“Worldwide Revival is a project that we’ve poured ourselves into for the last two years. It’s a little bit surreal to finally be releasing it to the world, but this collection of songs has been prayed over and intentionally crafted to share the message we feel God has put on our hearts in this season, and we’re proud to finally be sharing it,” Newsboys shared. “Our hope is that this music meets exactly the person that it needs to, and that it will spark ‘tiny revivals’ in the hearts of many.”

Newsboys is one of the biggest bands in Christian music history, having sold more than 10 million records across 23 recordings and garnering boundless accolades, including 1 RIAA® Platinum certification and 8 Gold certifications, 30 #1 radio hits, four GRAMMY® nominations, two American Music Award nominations and multiple Dove Awards. With signature songs like “We Believe,” “Born Again” and the unstoppable mega-hit “God’s Not Dead” — which birthed a film franchise of the same name — Newsboys have continued to collect career-defining accolades at full speed ahead. Reinventing and reinvigorating the sounds fans have come to love, Newsboys present their two-part album, Worldwide Revival, featuring 16 songs and a national tour to support. For over three decades, the band, with current members Michael Tait, Duncan Phillips, Jeff Frankenstein, Jody Davis and Adam Agee, have toured extensively throughout the world to present their unparalleled high-energy shows. From their formation in Australia to their current residence in the United States, and everywhere in between, Newsboys share the same unified message about their faith and the God they serve, a position they do not take lightly.

newsboys.com

@newsboys

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On today’s show, we chat with 2-time guest, Michael Sweet!

Chart-topping rock band STRYPER has announced the upcoming release of their 12th studio album,  When We Were Kings, out September 13th!  The new album drops just as the band embarks on their 40th Anniversary Tour this fall. 

Earlier this year, STRYPER released their first acoustic album, featuring stripped-down versions of their classic hits and a new rendition of "Amazing Grace.” The band is also working on a Kickstarter-funded documentary film directed by Chris Atkins, to be released in 2025. 

With over 10 million albums sold worldwide, STRYPER is renowned for its distinctive brand of “heavenly metal” and extraordinary crossover success. The group ascended to prominence in the 1980s with Billboard Top 40 hits like “Calling on You,” “Honestly,” and “Always There for You,” and has maintained a global fanbase ever since. STRYPER is the first band to ever have two songs in MTV’s Top 10 simultaneously with their hits “Free” and “Honestly.” STRYPER is comprised of original members Michael Sweet (lead vocals, guitar), Robert Sweet (drums), and Oz Fox (guitar), plus the addition of seasoned bassist Perry Richardson

stryper.com

@stryper

@michaelsweetstryper

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On today’s Friday edition, we chat with Sean Wolfington!

Sean Wolfington is a serial entrepreneur who has built 15 tech companies and had businesses in the film, ad-tech, automotive and real estate industries. Wolfington produced multiple feature films including Bella, Self-Medicated, The Mighty Macs, Little Boy, Sound of Freedom, Cabrini, City of Dreams, and The Prince.

The most recent release, Sound of Freedom, is one of the biggest independent films of all time, generating over $250 million at the box office and outperforming blockbuster giants like Indiana Jones and Mission Impossible.

 City of Dreams opened this past weekend.  Inspired by true events, City of Dreams follows Jesús, a young Mexican boy whose dreams of becoming a soccer star are shattered when he’s trafficked across the border and sold to a sweatshop making fast fashion in downtown Los Angeles. Thrust into a world of exploitation and despair, he’s forced to adhere to the grueling work schedule dictated by El Jefe. Despite Jesus’s hellish existence, he finds solace in Elena, a girl who was similarly betrayed and sold into slavery. When she goes missing, and another co-worker Carlitos is severely beaten, Jesus realizes that the only way to save himself and the others is to fight back, even if it costs him his life.

@seanwolfington

@cityofdreamsmovie

cityofdreamsmovie.com

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On today’s show, we chat with Dave Stone!
For 30 years, Dave Stone preached at Southeast Christian Church in Louisville, Kentucky. During his 13 years as Senior Pastor the weekend attendance grew from 18,000 at one campus to 27,000 at seven campuses. He serves on Boards for Spire, Focus on the Family and the Rawlings Foundation and is on the Teaching Team for CCV in Phoenix, AZ. Dave has a heart for people and a passion for families. He and Beth have three children and ten grandchildren. When Dave speaks he has the unique ability to touch both your heart and your funny bone.

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On today’s show, we chat with Sean Curran!

Sean Curran signed his first record deal as lead singer and member of Billboard chart-ranking band Bellarive at 22 years old. In 2018, Sean launched a solo venture signing a new deal with sixstepsrecords/Capitol Christian Music Group. His first solo EP, Bigger Than I Thought, released in 2019 and since then Sean has kept a steady stream of songs flowing such as “Bigger than I Thought,” “Glorious Day,” and “1000 Names”. Sean’s first full length record releases in 2024. Sean has been part of leading worship at Passion Conference as well as touring with Kari Jobe, Cody Carnes, Crowder, and Rend Collective. Sean’s eclectic style of artistry explores songs about life, faith, and the mysteries of God. Curran lives in Atlanta, Georgia with his wife Natalia and two daughters. The two call Passion City Church home, where Sean serves as a worship leader.

Sean Curran has released his debut full-length studio project, Basic Faith, on sixstepsrecords/Capitol Christian Music Group. The 12-track album features new sounds and styles all the while taking the listener back to the basics of faith. Curran composes songs in such a way that they exist as invitations to enter into a conversation with a loving Father. 

“This collection of songs walk the listener through the basics of faith; to show us that Jesus came to do more than get us into heaven, He came to get heaven into us,” shares Sean Curran of his new album. “I feel that we need songs that help us praise God well, as well as songs that help us wrestle with God well – this is what I hope to achieve with my music.”

seancurranmusic.com

@seancurran

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On today’s show, we chat with two-time guests, The Kendrick Brothers!

The Kendrick brothers have a name that has become synonymous with Christian cinema. Alex, Stephen, and Shannon Kendrick have dedicated their lives to crafting faith-forward films like Overcomer, Courageous, War Room, Fireproof, and Facing the Giants.

THE FORGE tells the story of Isaiah Wright, a 19 year old who lives for basketball and video games. A year out of high school, he still has no job, no plans, and no idea how to be a man. At odds with his single mom, Cynthia, Isaiah is given an ultimatum - to step up or move out. Feeling the pull from his friends and the push from his mom, Isaiah is hired by Moore Fitness, but has no idea how the owner will personally impact his life. With the prayers of his mother and unexpected guidance from his new mentor, Isaiah is forced to deal with his past, sacrifice his selfishness and discover how God might have a greater purpose for his life. From the Kendrick Brothers, the creators of the #1 box office hit WAR ROOM, comes THE FORGE, a faith-filled new movie with emotional themes, old friends, and new twists.

The Forge hits theaters, this Friday!

kendrickbrothers.com

@thekendrickbrothers

theforgemovie.com

@forgemovie

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On today’s show, we chat with Jasmine Brady!

Born into a rich musical lineage that influenced her own trajectory from an early age, Jasmine Christmas Brady is the daughter of beloved Gospel songstress Candy Hemphill Christmas; the granddaughter of Southern Gospel pioneers Joel and LaBreeska Hemphill; and the great-niece of genre icons Howard and Vestal Goodman of The Happy Goodmans. Brady appeared in various Gaither Homecoming and Homecoming Kids videos, and she went on to sing with Lee University’s world-renowned Voices of Lee ensemble. As a solo artist, her recordings include 2021’s Shalom and 2022’s Come Alive.

Brady spent a decade on staff at The Bridge—a multi-faceted ministry founded by her mother to serve the needs of Nashville’s homeless and underprivileged—and today she is the worship pastor at Regeneration Nashville, the congregation led by her father, Pastor Kent Christmas. Along with her music ministry, Brady speaks about the faithfulness of God at events around the country and hosts a Bible discussion podcast, Wholly Holy. She and her husband, JonMichael, live in Nashville with their son, Cooper, and daughters Adele and Mavis Bleue.

Her latest project, ‘Lover of My Soul’, is out now!

jasminebrady.com

@jasminecbrady

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On today’s show, we chat with 3 time guest, Max Lucado!

Max Lucado is a pastor, speaker, and best-selling author who, in his own words, “writes books for people who don’t read books.” He serves the people of Oak Hills Church in San Antonio, Texas, and his message is for the hurting, the guilty, the lonely, and the discouraged: God loves you; let him.

Max’s books have sold more than 145 million copies in over 50 languages worldwide. He published On the Anvil, his first trade book, in 1985. His 46th trade book, What Happens Next, will release summer of 2024. Max’s books regularly appear on bestseller lists, including The New York Times. His writing has also been featured in Bible studies, Bible commentaries, songs, greeting cards, and even plush toys. He is the recipient of many book awards and received the 2021 ECPA Pinnacle Award for his outstanding contribution to the publishing industry. God Never Gives Up on You received an EDPA gold medallion award in 2024.

In What Happens Next, Max explores four big ideas that will provide a solid foundation for understanding God's plans and will remind us that we are headed to a far better place than where we started. He explains that

• we were made to reign with Christ;
• God has made and will keep his promises;
• heaven has a timeline; and
• a golden era, the millennium, awaits God's children.

In a world filled with political tension, personal trials, and international turbulence, we find ourselves drawn to exploring what happens next on heaven's timeline. Whether readers find themselves in the "I can't wait," "I'm almost ready," or "I'm not sure about all of this" camp, they will be encouraged to ponder God's plans and promises for the future. In Max's signature encouraging style, he reminds us, "It's all about hope. It's all about Him."

maxlucado.com

@maxlucado

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