“This generation isn’t running from God — they’re hungry for truth and authenticity.”

This week, Ryan sits down backstage at Winter Jam with the Three Heath Brothers — Clayton, Nicholas, and Christian — three real-life brothers from North Carolina who are on a mission to reach Gen Z with the truth of Jesus.

From growing up as preacher’s kids to singing in over 200 public schools for 70,000+ students, their heart is clear: this generation is hungry. Hungry for truth. Hungry for authenticity. Hungry for hope.

They share how God opened doors from small church gigs to the Winter Jam stage, why they started writing their own music and what they’re seeing in Gen Z across the country.

This conversation is fun, honest, and full of energy, but underneath it all is something deeper: a generation searching for something real and a very real God who is still showing up.

If you’ve ever wondered whether Gen Z cares about faith, this episode will encourage you. Keep praying and keep being authentic.

Gen Z isn’t lost — they’re searching.
Behind the screens and sarcasm, there’s a deep hunger for something real. Jesus is still meeting young people right where they are.

Be who God created you to be.
The Three Heath Brothers aren’t trying to copy anyone else. They’re choosing authenticity, and that’s exactly what this generation responds to. Your obedience, just as you are, might be someone else’s lifeline.

“Seeing thousands of young people worship Jesus gives me so much hope for this generation.”

Ryan sits down with Brady Pettee, the creative mind behind much of what you see from Josiah Queen online. From viral social content to powerful music videos, Brady shares what it looks like to turn songs like “Dusty Bibles” and “Demons” into visuals that connect deeply with Gen Z, while still staying rooted in truth and pointing people straight to Jesus.

They also talk about the moment Brady realized his job isn’t just about making cool content—it’s ministry. From praying with someone after a show to hearing how a song helped someone stand firm against the lies of the enemy, Brady shares why he has real hope for this generation and how God is using creativity to reach hearts in a big way.

Creativity can be ministry – God uses cameras, social media, and art to plant seeds and change lives.

Gen Z is hungry for truth – When Jesus is presented honestly and boldly, people respond.

The power of Jesus is real and present – Songs like “Demons” remind us we don’t fight alone.

“God isn’t scared of your big feelings — He created you.”

We sat down with Ivey Asher, a singer, songwriter, streamer, and all-around honest voice for this generation. From growing up in music and acting, to walking through grief, bullying, and church hurt, Ivey shares how God met her right in the middle of her mess — not after she had it all together. Her heart is simple: help people feel seen, known, and less alone.

We also talk about how Ivey uses social media and livestreaming as real ministry spaces, where faith conversations happen naturally and safely. Whether she’s sharing music, playing Minecraft, or talking about Jesus being a friend who can handle our biggest feelings, Ivey reminds us that God never gave up — even when she felt far away.

REMINDERS:

God can handle our doubts, anger, grief, and questions — and still stay close.

Authentic faith opens doors, especially with Gen Z who are hungry for what’s real.

Ministry doesn’t always look like a stage — sometimes it looks like community, conversation, and showing up honestly.

“I don’t just love music — I love ministry. I want to help people love on Jesus.” – Lindy Bryson

We loved getting to sit down with Lindy Bryson and hear how God has been shaping her heart from a little girl singing in church to a young worship leader with a clear calling. Lindy shares how a moment at summer camp helped her realize faith isn’t about religion — it’s about relationship — and how God used a simple answer from Kari Jobe to confirm her calling to help people love on Jesus.

Lindy also talks about her roots in the Carolinas, her love for storytelling music, and how God is opening new doors as she writes and records in Nashville. Her heart for ministry is undeniable, and her prayer is simple: that wherever God sends her, people would find their hope, worth, and confidence in Jesus.

A real relationship with Jesus changes everything — even how we see our calling.

God uses music as ministry, reaching hearts we may never fully see.

Our broken places aren’t wasted — Jesus makes something beautiful out of them.

In this episode, Brian sits down with Cody Ward, a singer-songwriter whose story shows just how far the grace of Jesus can reach. Cody shares how he went from chasing applause in bar rooms to chasing relief in alcohol, all while trying to hold his marriage and his sense of purpose together. When COVID shut down his music career and a painful family situation hit hard, everything spiraled — until one night when his 3-year-old daughter innocently asked, “Daddy, can I get you another beer?” In that moment, God broke through, and Cody surrendered his life fully to Jesus.

From that night on, everything changed — his marriage, his parenting, his music, and his mission. Cody talks about pouring out every bottle in the house, walking back into church, and discovering a brand-new calling to lead people toward hope in Christ. Now, through worship, youth ministry, and his band, Cody is sharing the same freedom he found in Jesus with anyone willing to listen. His story is a reminder that no matter how far you think you've run, Jesus is already running toward you.

@CodyWardMusic on Facebook, TikTok and Instagram or email to contact at [email protected]

On this episode of What Hope Sounds Like, Carol sits down with Christina Eagle, whose life story has been anything but simple — yet Jesus has been faithful every step of the way.

Christina shares how losing both of her biological parents early in life shaped her, and how her grandparents poured faith into her from the beginning. She talks about discovering her love for singing, the moment she almost ignored the audition link for The Voice, and how one small step of courage led to a chair turn from a judge that changed her life.

She also opens up about the season when she confused fear with faith, and how God gently led her out of a hurtful environment and into real freedom. And you’ll hear the sweet story behind her viral TikTok song “Jesus Loves You,”inspired by a nudge from the Holy Spirit.

Christina’s journey is honest, unexpected, and full of reminders that Jesus meets us where we are — and He knows exactly how to lead us forward.

Take It With You

Even when it’s a hard story, it can still be a happy song because God has a plan.

On this episode of What Hope Sounds Like, Kelly Brandon sits down with someone very special — and very close to her heart — 12-year-old Airely Hart, Western North Carolina native. Airely may be young, but God is already stirring something big in her: a deep love for singing, songwriting, and sharing Jesus with every note. She is proof that you’re never too young to follow your dreams and step into your purpose from God.

Airely talks about how she finds inspiration, why walking and praying help her get ready to write, and how she uses Scripture to make sure her lyrics stay rooted in God’s truth. She shares the stories behind the songs she’s working on and how each one points straight to Jesus and the hope He brings.

You’ll hear about her heart for people who don’t know Christ yet, how she’s using music to tell others about Him and the sweet ways her family encourages and helps her grow. 

Stick around to the end where Airely shares one of her original songs. Trust us… you’re going to be inspired by this girl - and you just might start singing along.

Remember…

“There’s no government or darkness that can stop the Gospel. The light always shines through.”

On this episode of What Hope Sounds Like, Jeff talks with Izabella McMillon from Operation Christmas Child. Izabella grew up under communism in Romania, where faith was forbidden and even owning a Bible could cost your life. But God broke through that darkness in the most unexpected way—through a hidden Bible and, years later, a simple shoebox.

You’ll hear how Izabella’s first prayer for snow led to a snow globe tucked inside her shoebox, and how that moment became proof to a 13-year-old girl that God saw her, loved her, and was real. Today, Izabella helps lead others to share that same hope around the world through Operation Christmas Child.

It’s a story about light breaking through darkness, a child’s faith, and how God can use something as small as a shoebox to change a life forever.

God sees us—even in the darkest places. Izabella’s story proves that no barrier can keep Him from reaching those He loves.

Small acts of obedience matter. A simple shoebox, packed and prayed over, can open a heart to Jesus.

Hope multiplies. Izabella once received a shoebox as a child; now she helps share that same hope with children worldwide.

Leanna Crawford joins Jonathan Unthank to share how honesty with God has shaped her life, her music, and her marriage.

From writing her song Honest during a season of anxiety and depression, to discovering God’s kindness in unexpected ways, Leanna reminds us that Jesus meets us right where we are. She opens up about how marriage has taught her more about grace, why rest is so vital, and how hope is always available in Christ—even when life feels confusing or overwhelming.

“What I thought was a setback was really a setup for what God was preparing.”

 – Drew Baldridge

 On this episode of What Hope Sounds Like, Brian from The Light FM sits down with Matt from I AM THEY and country artist Drew Baldridge to talk about their re-release of Scars.

They open up about the pain and healing behind their stories—how scars are more than reminders of the past; they’re testimonies of God’s redemption. Matt shares the heart behind I AM THEY’s biggest song and how God used it to transform their ministry, while Drew explains why the message of Scars hit so close to home after years of struggle in the country music industry.

Together, they remind us that scars don’t disqualify us—they point us to Jesus and give us a story to share with others who need hope.