Crossmap Podcast

Sometimes chasing a dream doesn’t always work out. Despite our best efforts and passionate zeal for what we are chasing, nothing seems to make sense. You have the talent, the perseverance, and the requisite hours of preparation, but you are hitting nothing but walls made of very hard surfaces. 

Perhaps you are chasing this dream for all the wrong reasons.

For example, popular contemporary Christian singer/songwriter Zach Williams wanted to be a rock star. Enticed by the illusion of stardom, he found that drugs, alcohol, and late-night gigs played around the world only left him feeling an inescapable void. Everything he thought he wanted in life failed to fill the yearning in his heart for something more. Desperate for change, Williams quickly became aware of his innate need for God’s rescue and love.

In doing so, Williams quickly learned that God has used broken people for a long, long time to do his work. And despite his best efforts to run in the opposite direction, Williams eventually realized that he was qualified and worthy to do what God had called him to do.

In his debut book, “Rescue Story: Faith, Freedom, and Finding My Way Home”, Williams gets candid about his journey from substance abuse to a life of faith, hope, and freedom. 

Williams joins us on the Crossmap Podcast to talk about why his life story is a testament of someone who was looking for happiness in all the wrong places. Listen as he shares his advice for people searching for purpose and meaning in their setbacks, and how Jesus can change everything for the better.

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For some reason, some people just seem to lead extraordinary lives. That doesn’t always mean that life will be easy. In fact, sometimes what some people see as an extraordinary life is quite the opposite. Triumph juxtaposed against tragedy. Headlines leading to heartbreak.

Gloria Gaynor is a music icon and disco legend who has inspired millions for decades with three simple words: “I will survive”.  Some would see her life as extraordinary but the truth is she hit rock bottom at the age of 65. Facing a devastating divorce from her husband, who also happened to be her longtime manager, financial ruin, and various health concerns (some serious), all of this could have knocked Gaynor to her knees. But somehow, someway, she not only survived but eventually she thrived.

Gaynor joins us on the Crossmap Podcast to talk about how she was able to rebuild her life after it seemingly had completely fallen apart. Listen as she shares how her relationship with Jesus Christ served as the foundation for her healing and eventual restoration.

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David from the Old Testament was a lot of things to a lot of people. In addition to being the second ruler of Israel and one of the greatest kings in history, he was a legendary poet, harpist, and hymn writer. Evidence of his talent is the fact that 73 of the Bible’s 150 Psalms are credited to the pen of David.

But when people think of one of Scripture's most pivotal figures, most remember him for his bravery as a teenager, for standing up to a giant with nothing but a sling and five small stones. 

This is the David that animation studio Minno and Slingshot Productions are showcasing in their latest video release. Young Davidsteps into David’s early life and explores the actual people, places, and kinds of events that  he would have experienced. But most importantly, each episode focuses on a defining characteristic of David, someone God called a man after His own heart.

Minno Co-founder and CEO Erick Goss believes that children deserve incredible stories presented in creative, engaging ways. He says that state-of-the-art animation blended with timeless tales of faith and virtue is one of the best, if not THE best way to reach young audiences with the life-impacting message of God’s love for us.

Goss joins us on the Crossmap Podcast to talk about why the life of David translates so well to today’s 21st Century audiences. Listen as he shares why animation is such a wonderful medium to connect across race, cultural, age and gender barriers.

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For so many people, politics are the lifeblood and fabric of our nation. The ability to join in public discourse about the issues of the day is an inherent right and privilege for citizens of this great nation. Personal fulfillment and sheer delight can often be found through non-stop news coverage, informative social media posts, and even discussions around the dinner table.
 
But what about those people who run in the other direction due to the dreaded “P” word?  Those who loathe taking any sort of position on the issues of the day due to fear of testy verbal exchanges with friends and family members. Conversations that quickly turn into bloodsports brought into the open because of differing opinions on divisive issues.
 
Denise Gitsham is an experienced political commentator, former White House Aide, author and speaker, who believes that people of faith CAN effectively engage in politics by loving those we disagree with. In her latest book, “Politics for People Who Hate Politics: How to Engage without Losing Your Friends or Your Soul”, Gitsham urges fellow Christian to see this presidential election year as an opportunity to become a healing and unifying time in the nation.

Gitsham joins us on the Crossmap Podcast to discuss how to engage with those we disagree with about politics with humility and honor. Listen as she shares why it is important to speak the truth in love when it comes to politics.

Get the book, Politics for People Who Hate Politics

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Resilience and love are two emotions that can fuel a successful relationship. One cannot exist without the other. Love may be patient and kind but without resilience many marriages have faltered. 
 
Lack of patience with the other, inability to find common ground on a key issue, or just plain old stubbornness and selfishness, have wrecked even the most well-intentioned couples in their pursuit of “happily ever after”.
 
But when a couple dedicates themselves to resilience and love no matter what the circumstance, a long-lasting and fruitful relationship usually ensues.
 
Duck Dynasty’s Phil and Kay Robertson are a testament to this. Despite a marriage that has lasted 47 years, they did not live happily ever after, at least for a long time. Instead, Phil’s demons threatened to tear their lives apart. But their resilience and love for each other eventually prevailed. What the world sees today is a far cry from a relationship that nearly succumbed to alcohol and Phil’s philandering.
 
As the oldest of Phil and Kay’s four children, Alan Robertson had a front row seat to those early years, a period of time that he now calls a miracle due to God’s patience with and ultimate forgiveness of Phil. 
 
In the new movie, “The Blind” (now available on most streaming platforms as well as DVD), viewers get a glimpse of never-before-revealed moments in Phil and Miss Kay’s lives as he seeks to conquer the shame of his past. Working through the turmoil that handcuffed him in his early adult years, the biopic demonstrates a love story that persevered through the darkest of turbulent moments and rose to create a strong foundation for generations to come. 
 
Alan joins us on the Crossmap Podcast to reflect on the success of the biopic and how the film has brought his family even closer together. Listen as he shares how his father went from being the biggest heathen in South Arkansas and North Louisiana to John the Baptist seemingly overnight. 

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We can never know about the days to come
But we think about them anyway
And I wonder if I'm really with you now
Or just chasin' after some finer day
 
From the song “Anticipation” by Carly Simon
 
How many times have you felt like you are in a holding tank, just waiting for some better part of your life to arrive? The days of future success and happiness seem to be mired in the humdrum heartache that was yesterday.
 
But for all the waiting, eventually better days arrive, delivering you into what you have been anticipating all along. All the daydreaming about a better tomorrow has arrived, making you grateful and quite thankful for all that God has blessed you with. All of your yesterdays have ripened into the bounty that is today.
 
Actress Elizabeth Tabish knows this feeling all too well. A classically trained actress with all the talent in the world, she struggled for many years to make an indelible impression in the unforgiving world of theater and film. Sometimes struggling to pay the rent some months, she never lost sight of her dream … to make films that matter and ones that can change lives for the better.
 
Eventually, when the window on my guest’s acting seemed to be closing, Tabish was offered a role in a fledgling independent video series about the life of Jesus. Called ‘The Chosen’, she had no idea that her portrayal of Mary Magdalene would capture the hearts of the millions who have streamed the series.
 
With the series gearing up to release Season 4 on February 1, 2024, the show seems destined to become a global phenomenon.

Tabish joins us on the Crossmap Podcast to talk about the challenges she has faced in playing Mary Magdalene, a real life figure in the New Testament. Listen as she shares about how she almost gave up acting before ‘The Chosen’ came along and how it has redeemed her faith and outlook on the world around us.

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A prominent lyric from well-worn Christmas crooner Andy Williams reveals, “It’s the most wonderful time of the year.” 
 
What he didn’t mention is that it’s also the busiest, most stressful, and expensive time we experience as the calendar year comes to a close. For all the baubles and beads designed to make our world just a little bit brighter, it is so easy to get lost in a shuffle of school Christmas concerts, your church’s latest theatrical production, or family get-togethers.
 
Mac Powell is all about keeping things simple during the Christmas season. So, much so that he has titled his latest holiday album simply, “Christmas”.  Featuring five songs that will surely make your holiday playlists this year, the record also features three originals including a song the former Third Day lead singer wrote with his daughter and son-in-law called, “Christmas Time Again, My Friend”.
 
Powell shares, “This project has some old songs on it that help you make new Christmas memories, and some new songs on it to remind you of some old Christmas memories.”

Powell joins us on the Crossmap Podcast to talk about why he loves Christmas so much. Listen as he shares about why he chose to write and record a song with his daughter and son-in-law and how his heavy touring schedule actually influences his sound as a solo artist.

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Sometimes doing the same thing over and over again while expecting a different result can turn into some very bad habits. So many times we have written off these lifelong battles as unwinnable or unattainable. What has become a destructive behavior can never be altered.

But for as much as we think these thoughts will never lead us anywhere, we must never settle for giving up or accepting less than we deserve. In fact, the time is now for humble dependence on God and a plan to walk in his power.

In his latest book, “The 7 Resolutions: Where Self-Help Ends and God’s Power Begins”, author Karl Clauson believes that we can take hold of God’s promises by committing to a handful of spiritual resolutions. Things like thinking truth, taking risks, or focusing our efforts can all go a long way to finding peace, comfort, and even resolve in our lives. But none of these things can happen without the steady guiding hand of God.

Clauson joins us on the Crossmap Podcast to talk about why people who are living the Christian life seem to get stuck living under their own strength at times. Listen as he shares about seven resolutions you can make with God that will help you get out of old patterns and live more fully for Christ.

Get the book: The 7 Resolutions: Where Self-Help Ends and God’s Power Begins

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John Cooper has spent the last 25 plus years touring the world as the lead singer of the 17-time platinum selling rock band Skillet. During that time, fans have been treated to a variety of hard-hitting, nail-biting songs, with each one delivering a foundational truth pointing to God’s love.

While their live shows consistently deliver hair-raising, pyrotechnic-fueled entertainment, the band consistently sets itself apart from all the others for their unabashedly unapologetic willingness to stand for theological truth.

In his latest book, “Wimpy, Weak, and Woke”, Cooper provides readers with a critical and timely message on today’s cultural climate that rings true as a voice crying out in the wilderness. In fact, actor and television host Kirk Cameron says of Cooper, “He is made for this kind of work - smashing idols and building authors."

Cooper joins us on the Crossmap Podcast to talk about the cultural issues that he sees as the most detrimental to our society as a whole. Listen as he shares how the West was built on the belief in objective truth, objective reality, and absolutes, all of which are being destroyed as we speak.

Listen to the Cooper Stuff Podcast

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There have been so many wonderful musicals over the years that it’s hard to pinpoint just one as the gold standard. From “The Sound of Music” to “Fiddler on the Roof” to “Grease”, fans of the genre have been treated to the very best in song, dance, and the twinkling of an eye.
 
The aforementioned musicals of yesteryear have been replaced more recently with equally dazzling fare including a remake of “West Side Story”, “LaLa Land”, and “The Greatest Showman”.
 
It has often been said that the key ingredients of a great musical are songs that stick in your head, crisply spoken dialogue, fantastic acting, and dazzling dance production numbers. Add in characters who have distinct personalities, differing goals, and clashing motives, and you have the recipe for resounding box office success.
 
Adam and Nikki Anders have written, directed, and composed a soon-to-be-released musical movie that is sure to get people talking. Sure, it has all of the elements listed above but it also provides a rather significant twist; not only is it a faith-based musical but it also recreates and tells the greatest story ever told.
 
Starring Antonio Banderas, Milo Manheim, for KING & COUNTRY’s Joel Smallbone, and Lecrae, “The Journey to Bethlehem” is a live-action musical adventure that weaves classic Christmas melodies with humor, faith, and new pop songs in a retelling of the fateful story of Mary, Joseph, and the birth of Jesus.

The Andersjoin us on the Crossmap Podcast to talk about the thought process that went into thinking this idea could work. Listen as they share how God prepared them for this and the great lengths they went to, to ensure that what people see on screen remained authentic and true to the story of Christ’s birth.

Journey to Bethlehem Movie Website

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