Christopher Closeup

Author and pastor Chris Edmonds discusses the biography he wrote about his father Roddie Edmonds’ acts of heroism during World War II, the way in which he saved the lives of Jewish American soldiers in a Nazi POW camp, and how his Christian faith was a motivating and unifying force in his life.

Grammy Award-winning singer, musician, and composer Harry Connick Jr. discusses his album “Alone With My Faith,” why he decided to make a spiritual album, why he considers his father to be his “spiritual hero,” and the positive effect that some kind and caring priests have had on his life.

Laura Sobiech, the author whose memoir about her son Zach inspired the Christopher Award-winning movie “Clouds,” discusses Zach’s battle with osteosarcoma, the way in which his faith sustained him as he faced his final days, how he channeled God's grace to others during his suffering, and the ways in which his hit song “Clouds” changed lives.

The former ABC News correspondent and author of “Called Out: Why I Traded Two Dream Jobs for a Life of True Calling” discusses the emotional and spiritual impact of her father’s recent death and the reason she had the words “Be Still” tattooed on her wrist.

Former ABC News anchor Paula Faris discusses her memoir “Called Out: Why I Traded Two Dream Jobs for a Life of True Calling,” how she came to see that she was treating her career as a false idol, the ways that all of us can learn to distinguish our vocational calling from our faith calling, and how she approached season three of her “Journeys of Faith” podcast, which focuses on the intersection of politics and religion. Host: Tony Rossi.

Emmy Award-winning broadcaster Paula Faris discusses her “Journeys of Faith” podcast in which she interviews newsmakers        about their spiritual beliefs. She also talks about her personal faith and the way in which a “season of hell” in her life led her to step back from some of her professional responsibilities to focus more on her family. Host: Tony Rossi.

Actress, writer, director, and producer Bonnie Hunt recalls her award-winning film “Return to Me,” her friendship with actor Carroll O’Connor who starred in that movie, and the selflessness she learned from her mom Alice, which continues to inspire her.

Bonnie Hunt - the writer, director, producer, and actress known for films including “Cheaper by the Dozen,” “Jumanji,” and “Return to Me” - discusses her life growing up in a large Catholic family in Chicago, why she pursued a career as a nurse, the devastation      she felt after her father’s sudden death at age 50, and why she interpreted an unexpected encounter with a patient she was caring for as a sign from her father in heaven.

Hallmark Channel actress Nikki DeLoach discusses her dedication to the Alzheimer’s Association in light of her father’s diagnosis with dementia, her son’s battle with multiple heart defects, and how her faith is guiding her through difficult times.  Host: Tony Rossi. 

Maurice Benard, the actor who plays Sonny Corinthos on "General Hospital" and who authored the Christopher Award-winning memoir “Nothing General About It: How Love (and Lithium) Saved Me On and Off ‘General Hospital’” further discusses his mental health struggles and his efforts to bring hope and healing to others enduring similar struggles. Host: Tony Rossi