In this powerful episode of the Rooted in Christ Podcast, host Eric Stephens sits down with newly married artist and DJ Bank Shaq to talk about faith, music, and the transformative power of Christ. From his journey as one of Cleveland’s top DJs to finding true purpose in Christ, Bank Shaq shares his testimony of leaving behind success in the secular world for a life devoted to ministry and Christian hip hop.

The conversation dives deep into:

• How music shapes our spirit and culture

• The importance of Christian hip hop for both new believers and seasoned Christians

• Why discipleship and community matter more than division

• Shaq’s testimony of going from IHOP shifts to international stages through God’s provision

• The call to keep love at the center of Christian ministry

This episode is raw, inspiring, and filled with encouragement for anyone navigating faith, creativity, and calling.

Connect with DJ Bank Shaq here: https://www.instagram.com/officialbankshaq/

In this episode, Richard Williams returns to dive deep into vision, faith, and stepping out of the comfort zone. From launching his new devotional book 31 Days of Hope to leading the Harvest Conference, Richard shares how God continues to call ordinary people into extraordinary assignments.

We talk about:

• The story behind 31 Days of Hope and how it came together

• The Harvest Conference and its impact on unity, revival, and discipleship in Cleveland

• Why authenticity and presence matter more than “big names”

• The importance of vision, planning years ahead, and walking boldly in God’s calling

• A challenge for anyone who feels like they’re “waiting” on the right time—what are you waiting for?

This episode is packed with encouragement, testimony, and vision for the future of the church and community.

Order Richard’s book, 31 Days of Hope: https://www.amazon.com/Days-Hope-Transformation-Spiritual-Awakening-ebook/dp/B0FNKT4BF4/ref=sr_1_2?crid=C5L0TQHLSIT0&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.8hH_ogmdubMfJ3evu0Lx-HJ5pw03aWppjgqOy34lneA8abbsr_8KFAlzsSb2bfDuSYiEErOm4TXpBDuKqm1eD4sl2NdIYohaNANmQ3h4AETH4bJPKmvlV1wGUDcazBT4-jVcfjpFUnzvo00C-dm7wjkSrfh7Ttwm8noWgKmC7eVDeFdi3mENmE7hygIE3V1l4uSUHQqC_zTK5G0_gadSStDnM5htB-ZDQF-nerxdQAE.d_BjQiuVRACplDa8r7DiFl0OaEmcRuIv2_zEWsQql4c&dib_tag=se&keywords=31+days+of+hope&qid=1757299255&sprefix=31+days+of+hope%2Caps%2C257&sr=8-2

Connect with Hope City: https://hopecitynow.online/?fbclid=PAZXh0bgNhZW0CMTEAAae9-RO3YaTKh4eVGhpzqFG0gqroKLRTbuCw-u8Ihalj48FuAN01-wVSl9i9Ug_aem_gBASqPma0_smorgu7HjuLA

In this powerful conversation, Eric sits down with Cory BiNks—a former seven-time World Series of Poker champion turned Christian rapper, missionary, and servant of God.

Cory shares his incredible testimony: from a basketball dream that never panned out, to a life steeped in partying and poker success, to bottoming out—and ultimately surrendering his life to Christ in the midst of the pandemic. He opens up about how Matthew 16:24 changed everything, why chasing worldly success can’t satisfy, and how obedience led him into music, ministry, and mentorship.

This episode dives deep into:

• Cory’s journey from brokenness to redemption
• The emptiness of chasing success without Christ
• What it truly looks like to take up your cross daily
• How serving others defines a legacy

If you're chasing dreams, feeling stuck, or simply in need of encouragement, Cory’s story reminds us that God redeems time—and that any testimony can become a message of hope.

Connect with Cory BiNks
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/corybinks
Apple Music: Cory BiNks on Apple Music
Music on Spotify: Cory BiNks on Spotify
YouTube: Cory BiNks Music Channel

Episode 157 | Nobles Darby IV – Rooted in Christ in the World of Pro Sports

In this powerful conversation, we sit down with Nobles Darby IV, chaplain for the Cleveland Browns, Cavs, and Cleveland Charge, and a leader with the Fellowship of Christian Athletes. From his childhood vision of God’s presence to his journey through personal struggles and redemption, Nobles shares how faith has guided him into a unique calling — serving athletes, coaches, and their families in the high-pressure world of professional sports.

We dive into:

• What it means to be rooted in Christ while serving in pro sports

• The role of a chaplain in the NFL and NBA

• How athletes quietly battle loneliness, identity, and trust

• The balance between ministry, family, and personal rest

• Nobles’ powerful testimony of grace, calling, and obedience

This episode is a reminder that faith is not just about words, but about presence, consistency, and living authentically in whatever space God places you.

🔔 Don’t forget to like, share, and subscribe for more faith-driven conversations.

In this episode, Eric Stephens welcomes back author, coach, and teacher Laurie Herbers for a powerful conversation on faith, obedience, and identity in Christ.

Laurie shares insights from her upcoming book No Tantrums in the Waiting Room and her new course Image Bearer: Awaken Your God-Given Identity and Authority. She opens up about what it means to trust God in the waiting, live in daily obedience, and step fully into the image of Christ.

From real-life testimonies of transformation, to the struggles believers face with trust and timing, this episode is filled with encouragement, practical wisdom, and Spirit-led revelations.

If you’ve ever wrestled with waiting on God, questioned your purpose, or needed a reminder that you are His reflection, this conversation will bless you.

✨ Topics Covered:

• Why worship is essential in seasons of waiting

• Understanding tantrums and obedience in our faith walk

• What it means to be an image bearer of God

• Stories of transformation through discipleship and journaling

• How to walk in supernatural authority and trust God’s plan

📖 Scripture Highlight: Jeremiah 33:3 – “Call to me and I will answer you and tell you great and unsearchable things you do not know.”

🔗 Connect with Laurie:
Website – laurieherbers.com
Instagram – @solovelegacy
TikTok – @abundancewithlaurie
Facebook – Laurie Herbers

Be sure to like, share, and subscribe to stay updated on new episodes of the Rooted in Christ Podcast.

In this powerful episode of the Rooted in Christ Podcast, host Eric Stephens sits down with Mark Hebebrand to hear his remarkable journey from a troubled youth in Cleveland’s streets to becoming a devoted follower of Jesus and long-time ministry leader.

Mark shares raw, unfiltered stories from his past—growing up in the 80s hip hop scene, breakdancing battles, graffiti, DJing in clubs, and living a criminal lifestyle that led to run-ins with the law. He opens up about the night that changed everything, when a Good Friday church service and a simple prayer in a car led to a radical transformation in Christ.

Through spoken word, personal testimony, and heartfelt conversation, Mark reflects on the challenges of breaking old habits, the importance of finding healthy outlets, and how God redeems lost time. From mentoring youth in music to fostering brotherhood through sports, martial arts, and motorcycles, Mark’s life is a testament to the freedom and purpose found in Jesus.

If you or someone you know feels trapped by addiction, anger, or hopelessness, this conversation will inspire you to believe in the God who sets prisoners free.

In this powerful and deeply encouraging episode of the Ruin in Christ podcast, Eric sits down with author, coach, and speaker Nicole Roth, founder of She Abides in Joy. Nicole shares her remarkable journey from religious tradition and self-reliance to a transformative relationship with Jesus that reshaped her identity, healed deep wounds, and unlocked true joy.

Nicole unpacks her unique “Joy Quotient” tool—a practical framework for identifying the lies we believe, replacing them with God’s truth, and renewing our minds to live in freedom. With 

wisdom and vulnerability, she discusses:

• Breaking free from shame, striving, and performance-based worth
• The critical role of safe community in emotional healing
• Helping women, especially high-achievers and entrepreneurs, reclaim their God-given identity
• Why celebration, rest, and joy are essential, not optional
• Her upcoming Love Lab and workbook release

Whether you're navigating burnout, rejection, or simply want to grow in your understanding of grace and purpose, this episode will equip you with encouragement and tools to step fully into the life God designed for you.

🔗 Connect with Nicole: https://nicoleroth.com/
🎁 Free resource: nicoleroth.com/unleash 

In this powerful and heartfelt episode, host Eric Stephens welcomes Coley Stephens — a content creator, Christian apologist, and ministry leader — to share his personal testimony and creative journey in faith. 

From his college transformation to his rise as a faith-based voice on TikTok and Instagram, Coley opens up about battling sin, discovering God’s grace, and staying spiritually grounded in the social media spotlight.

They dive into the daily discipline of walking with Christ, the role of apologetics in evangelism, and the temptations and victories that come with creating content in a digital world. Coley shares behind-the-scenes insight into handling online criticism, spiritual warfare, and the importance of abiding in Christ above all else.

Whether you're a believer seeking encouragement, a content creator struggling with purpose, or just someone curious about faith in a digital age — this episode will challenge and inspire you.

Follow Coley here: 

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/coley.stephens/?hl=en 

TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@coleyastephens?fbclid=PAZXh0bgNhZW0CMTEAAaf7pRIiTV63m1dsnglMc0xALewrrsALSELXGyU6qZc_M4LPZdPmsjC2USV-Ww_aem_yJbq71EDnlA-m5xCZjQZYQ 

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@coley.stephens 

In this transparent and spirit-filled conversation, Eric Stephens welcomes back author, life coach, and Christian counselor Maurice F. Martin to dive deep into what it truly means to cast your cares on God. Recorded at Breakthrough Studios, the two brothers in Christ reflect on 1 Peter 5:5–7, unpacking the personal, emotional, and spiritual weight of anxiety, fear, and pride—and how God’s love gives us the freedom to let go.

Maurice speaks candidly about his own struggles with anxiety and feeling overwhelmed, reminding us that casting your cares isn’t just obedience—it’s an act of trust and love. This episode is full of powerful imagery, honest testimony, and practical encouragement for believers facing real-life pressures.

If you've ever struggled with trying to carry it all yourself—this one is for you.

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Connect with Maurice here: https://www.instagram.com/mauricefmartin/ 

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🎟 Cleveland! Don’t miss “Beyond the Walls 2” at House of Blues – Nov 1st

 Get your tickets here: https://www.ticketmaster.com/event/050062B69FE72C38?fbclid=PAZXh0bgNhZW0CMTEAAaeGB5rCbQN3aAspmAgeDX1Uah_qUtN4OpCPgxHsAJI6gUuvtIONAXA8lXpR5Q_aem_NR0U3Ra-Hv44kE7vlXyYog 

In this raw and redemptive episode, Eric Stephens of Redwood Christian Ministries sits down with Christian hip hop artist and evangelist Bobby Bendito to share his extraordinary testimony. From a life consumed by addiction, drug dealing, and violence to complete surrender to Christ, Bobby recounts how God's grace rescued him from the darkest valleys.

He opens up about his early years in the streets, starting to sell drugs at 17 and struggling with addiction while trying to support a growing family. But when his wife was diagnosed with end-stage kidney disease, Bobby hit rock bottom—and cried out to God. What followed was a life-altering transformation that led to healing, restoration, and a mission to minister through music and truth.

Topics Covered:

• Bobby’s early life in gangs and the drug trade
• The spiritual wake-up call through his wife’s illness
• Struggles with addiction, pride, and identity
• How God used Christian hip hop as a tool of redemption
• Reaching others through transparent testimony and truth

This episode isn’t just about music—it’s about miracles, mercy, and the message of hope for anyone who feels stuck, broken, or forgotten. Bobby’s story is proof that God can redeem any life, no matter how far gone.

Watch now and be inspired to trust God’s timing, power, and purpose.

Don’t forget to like, comment, and subscribe for more stories of transformation.

Find Bobby Bendito here: https://www.instagram.com/benditomuzik/?hl=en