“Shame is a prison,” Russ Taff says—and he lived in that prison for more than 40 years. To the world, Russ was a Gospel music legend: six GRAMMYs, 18 Dove Awards, and three Gospel Music Hall of Fame inductions. But behind the stage lights and accolades, he was hiding from pain, trapped in addiction, and silenced by the relentless voices of shame and self-hatred. In this deeply honest conversation, recorded around the dining table in his home in Bell Buckle, Tennessee, Russ shares the truth he kept secret for decades: while he sang songs about Jesus to millions, he was battling alcoholism in the dark. This is not just a story about addiction—it’s a story about hope. About the supernatural healing that comes through love, and the power of God to break even the heaviest chains. Russ opens up about his abusive childhood, the pain that shaped him, and the redemption that’s setting him free.  Whether you know Russ Taff or are hearing his name for the first time, his story will leave you changed. Don’t miss this unforgettable two-part episode of The Unfolding. 

Show notes: 

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/RussTaff 

Website:  https://russtaff.com/ 

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/russtaffofficial/ 

"I left school angry on Friday. On Monday, people saw a light in me."  Walter Hill was filled with grief and resentment after losing his mother and watching his father disappear into addiction. He had no interest in faith and no patience for empty answers. But God used one faithful friend and one unexpected night to break through the bitterness. This is a story of how deep anger was transformed into lasting joy. 

Walter Hill's book: Amazed Again: Reclaiming Christ’s Joy in a Fading World

Katie Leigh never studied acting, never planned for ministry, and never dreamed she’d be the voice behind one of Christian radio’s most beloved characters. But one day she prayed, “God, I’d like to do something for you.” This is the behind-the-scenes story of Connie Kendall... and the faithfulness of the God who sees it all.

For Natalie Layne, growing up in church didn’t automatically mean she knew Jesus personally. There came a moment—a quiet, desperate conversation with God—when she needed to know if He was real or walk away. That honest plea changed everything. In this episode of The Unfolding, Natalie shares the story of how that moment became the turning point in her faith journey—leading her to discover not just a real relationship with Jesus, but also her calling as a musician and worship leader. Now a soul-inspired pop artist signed with Centricity Music, Natalie writes songs that shine with hope, joy, and the light of Christ.  Natalie’s debut full-length album, All Joy, is out now, and she’s currently on tour with Tenth Avenue North. You can find her music, tour dates, and more at natalielayne.com. 

More from Natalie, here: 

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/natalielaynemusic/ 

Tik Tok: https://www.tiktok.com/@natalielaynemusic?_ 

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/natalielaynemusic/ 

Speaking on strength in weakness, Karis Meier lives with Lyme Disease.

“So I know my story isn't over and it's not the fairy tale ending that I would hope for. But, I can see how God is working, and I know his promises won't fail me and that I will see the goodness of the Lord in the land of the living because that is what He promises.”

At 37 weeks pregnant, Erin Beck was eagerly anticipating the arrival of her daughter, Ainsley. But in an unimaginable turn of events, Erin was confronted with the devastating loss of her baby girl. Overwhelmed by grief and bitterness, she found herself at a crossroads—would she serve God in her sorrow, or use her pain to make His love known? In this deeply moving episode of The Unfolding, Erin shares how she navigated the darkest days of her life, learning to hold both grief and joy in the same hand. Through faith, support, and an unwavering hope in eternity, she found a way to honor Ainsley’s life while helping others through their own losses. If you or someone you know has experienced pregnancy or infant loss, this episode offers a message of hope, healing, and the strength found in choosing love. 

Show Notes:  

Acts of Kindness for Ainsley Facebook   https://www.facebook.com/Actsofkindnessforainsley 

Empty Arms pregnancy & infant loss support group- https://www.facebook.com/groups/168555263911 

Compassionate Friends Support Groups throughout the U.S. https://www.compassionatefriends.org/ 

Grieve, Create, Believe: Process Your Loss with Intention and Truth by Rachel George https://www.amazon.com/Grieve-Create-Believe-Process-Intention/dp/0578617196 

Link to Google Doc with more resources:  

https://docs.google.com/document/d/1tbw37eidOdNRNmLnOqojC26y5B_k-VbwCbCNAnTy34I/edit?tab=t.0#heading=h.v7xe9u38zcbm 

Hear Dr. Pamela Pyle's full story on the latest episode of Wow God Stories.

“It will be a good death.” These words were shared by a patient. This episode explores what Dr. Pamela Pyle calls the “ending journey.” As a hospital physician and the author of Anticipating Heaven, she’s witnessed a peace in dying that defies understanding. It began with a conversation by a patient’s bedside. It led to the writing of a book. But more than anything, it led her to see death not as a cold ending, but as a sacred passage. 

Megan Woods grew up in church but drifted away from faith during her teens.  In high school, she experienced bullying, heartache, and a constant struggle with self-worth. It seemed she was never good enough.  But in the lowest moment of her life, God began to show her the truth about who He is and His love for Megan.  Out of that experience, Megan wrote a song called The Truth.  Released in 2024, the song made Megan Woods the biggest debut artist in Contemporary Christian Music that year.  It reached #1 on the Christian charts in the U.S. as well as on iTunes in 38 countries.   

Megan Woods on Instagram:   https://www.instagram.com/meganwoodsmusic/?hl=en 

"Football was my god. It told me who I was, how good I was, and what I was going to do." 

Derwin Gray was a leader on the Indianapolis Colts. A hard-hitting defensive star with NFL money, a promising career, and a wife to share it all with. By every measure, he was a success. But inside, Derwin was still a boy without a role model, shaped by his father’s absence and striving to prove he was worth something. He thought building a strong resume was the answer. Then, in the most unexpected way, God met him—in the locker room—through a teammate wrapped in nothing but a towel. What followed would change everything. 

Hear the full interview here on the Manly with Andy Podcast: https://www.myfaithpodcasts.com/podcasts/manly-with-andy/episode-113-how-to-actually-share-jesus-w-others-derwin-gray/