NO SHAME PODCAST WITH JOHN GROOTERS

John Grooters & Dwight Beal have been writing and recording music together since the late 1980’s. Their collaboration birthed the “Rock Vespers” production, a Christmas rock concert that quickly became a Midwest favorite and has fueled the creativity of the Grooters & Beal Band ever since. Songs from their 5-plus albums have been loved for many years and in many settings – but at the heart of it all, there remains a steadfast, shared wonder in the gift God gave the world at Christmas.

Billy Hollowell has worked as a journalist and political commentator for more than 15 years. He is currently the director of communications and content for PureFlix.com and host of the online show Pure Talk.

Camy & BJ Arnett have done it all in the world of media – writing, directing, acting, hosting, producing. Camy’s role in the recent Kendrick Brothers film “Overcomer” won him accolades including Actor of the Year. However, what stands out most about the Arnett's is not the accomplishments, it’s their character.

It’s been called the bloodiest battle in history on American soil, it’s a turning point in American history, the Battle of Gettysburg. Join John on location in Gettysburg today to talk about some incredible war heroes and leaders, and about a new project that is in the works "Higher Ground at Gettysburg" with speaker Jay Lorenzen. 

As an NHL All-Star goaltender, John VanBiesbrouck saw everything – both on the ice and off. His hockey career put him in the Hall of Fame, but his life was heading a different direction before a friend shared the truth with him one morning in a Florida restaurant.

This week we are rebroadcasting Episode 33 with guest Abby Johnson. Johnson was one of the youngest ever directors of a Planned Parenthood clinic. Originally a firm supporter of abortion, she completely changed her mind one day after observing an ultrasound of the actual procedure. Her life story became the subject of the feature film Unplanned. Find out more about Abby at www.abbyjohnson.org For more about the film Unplanned visit www.unplannedfilm.com

This weeks episode is a rebroadcast of a 2019 conversation with Tim Barton. Tim is the president of WallBuilders, a pro-family organization that emphasizes America’s religious and constitutional heritage. His presentations on worldview, education, and American heritage have challenged young and old across the country.     Learn more about Tim Barton and Wallbuilders: https://wallbuilders.com/    

John Grooters is on location in Romania filming his new feature Sabina. In this movie he captures the lives of Richard and Sabina Wurmbrand before they met Christ and how their transformation took them from young yuppies to people whose faith, courage, and above all, love has inspired millions of believers.

Keith Mitchell was the creator of America's first online film festival  called New Hollywood Film Festival (NuHo) in 2014. Today he leads FestiVee, a digital company helping other film festivals create an online experience for their attendees. Find out how one American small business is rising above a COVid-19 world that has not been friendly to small business, or the film industry. 

Dr. Steven L. Smith has partnered with filmmaker John Grooters to write a new book called "The Early Church on Fire." Now they are partnering in developing a series of reality episodes pursuing the greatest treasure ever concealed: the treasures of the Temple of Jerusalem. Find out more by listening to today's No Shame episode in conjunction with Jeff and Jon from The Pursuit Podcast. Hear more truth and transformation stories on their website: https://thepursuitonline.com  

Sherry Harney has spoken at conferences around the world, authored more than two dozen books, served her church, raised a family, and been a co-worker for the Kingdom with her husband Kevin Harney for over three decades. Their organization, Organic Outreach International trained over 40,000 churches last year alone! She is a voice in the Christian world to seriously be reckoned with!

Rev. Nate Bull leads the Urban Apostolic Network, a ministry establishing the kingdom of God in some of the toughest urban neighborhoods in the country. Nate goes into areas where violence is real and the needs are enormous. 

Jordyn Osburn is a singer/songwriter, a writer, a church planter, a farmer, and a mother of 7. On top of that her genuine spirit and heart of joy cause others to want to learn from and be like her.

  Former professional actor Jake Boyce is now a licensed paramedic and firefighter working primarily on the north side of Chicago. It's a tremendously demanding profession, and one he wouldn't trade for anything. 

Greg Kelley has traveled and spoken in more than 50 countries. He’s seen first-hand the sufferings and the joys of people groups who have been given recent access to the Gospel. 

Janet Boynes is the author of two books, Called Out - A Former Lesbian’s Discovery of Freedom, and God & Sexuality – Truth and Relevance Without Compromise. She leads Janet Boynes Ministries, an organization that exists to help people get spiritual guidance and be set free from homosexuality and other sexual sins through the power of Jesus Christ.

Hajin Jang is an international student. He is Korean by nationality, grew up with missionary parents in Thailand, is attending college in America, and was on an internship in Australia when the Covid-19 pandemic hit. Like so many students, his plans were dramatically altered. But Hajin isn't complaining - instead, he is spreading the gospel of Jesus Christ every day.

For 20 years Tim Mahoney has pursued patterns of evidence for the biblical account. In his documentary films, he engages the world's leading scholars and gives multiple perspectives ample time. Through it all, he uses the biblical text as a roadmap and doggedly searches for the truth.

Dennis Van Kampen is the CEO of Mel Trotter Ministries, a 120 year-old organization dedicated to fighting hunger and homelessness with the tangible love of Christ in Grand Rapids, Michigan.

Earthquake Kelley's Father was a Voodoo priest and close associate of President Papa Doc Duvalier, the murderous tyrant who ruthlessly consolidated power and declared himself the "President for Life" of Haiti. If it wasn't for the faithful prayers of his mother and sister, Earthquake may have never left the darkness. 

Jason Jones is a film producer, author, political philosopher, activist, and human rights worker. He’s also the president of Movie To Movement, and the Human Rights Education Organization. Known for his work on films such as Bella,The Stoning of Sayruri M, and Voiceless, Jason is active in the fight against hunger and democide all over the world today.

Todd Shaffer is Animation Director for commercials and major Hollywood projects for the Montreal firm TONIC DNA. His life is art – his family is full of artists, and his work is across multiple platforms. Classically trained in his craft, Todd is a strong advocate for learning the right things from the right people. 

Desmond Ikegwuonu is the director of worship arts and assistant professor of music at Cornerstone University. He’s also an orchestra conductor, a composer, a singer, and a man who turns music into joy.

Meredith Andrews is a Dove Award-winning singer, an internationally-known worship leader, and a hit songwriter – but to be honest, she’s a lot more than that.

Together with his brothers, Neal Harmon started a company that was intended to give media viewers the choice to skip forward over content they found objectionable. Many people loved the idea along the way, and so the big studios sued them like crazy. VidAngel is the name of the company, and the issue they’ve uncovered may end up in the Supreme Court.

Marta Greenman is writing and speaking and pumping out content every day on Grace and Truth Radio. Listen to this delightful and insightful woman on today’s episode of No Shame.

Cristóbal Krusen is a director of films you may or may not have seen yet. But they exist, they are beautiful, and they find an audience. Meet the director of Sabina K, Final Solution, More Than Dreams, and a new film currently in production called The Puzzle Factory.

Paul Wesselink has been a professional sound recorder and studio cat for almost fifteen years. His credits include productions from all across the globe, in all formats and genres. He and John Grooters are also colleagues, co-workers, and good friends.

Justin Tolley worked as a producer with the Kendrick brothers on various films from Fireproof to Overcomer, with the Erwin brothers on films from October Baby to Woodlawn, on the hit TV series LOST, and most recently with Dallas Jenkins on The Chosen.

John Branyan is just the kind of friend you want when times are tough. He’s a great friend when times are good, too. In either case, he’s going to help you laugh.

Since 2002, Julie Fairchild has been finding audiences for some of the most loved Christian films, speakers, authors, and artists. Today as president and CEO of 130 Agency in Dallas, she leads a team that helps stretch the dollars spent to bring attention to worthy projects.

John Bivona has spent the last 20 years preparing for a pandemic just like this one. His career is all about bio-safety, and he’s working at the highest levels with the most advanced scientists on the planet. He is also a husband, a father, and a significant participant in the life of his church. John is a voice of reason in a time that seems to be nothing but crazy.

Scott A. Peterson and his wife, Diane, have launched ii Films with the upcoming release of their latest project, Treasure Lies. Following The Currentand Miles Between Us, Treasure Lies is now the couple’s third feature-length film. Scott’s roles include writer, producer, and executive producer. For more information visit ii Films website here.

T.W. Lawrence writes novels and stories of the contemporary West – but not your stereotypical dime store westerns. Set in modern-day honky-tonks, rodeos, and still inviting, wide-open land, Lawrence’s tales unpack familiar themes in fresh situations. His circumstances are recognizable through instantly memorable storylines. The livestock and ranches are compelling. The moral struggles are palpable. And even if you’re not from Texas, by the time you finish one of Lawrence’s stories, you just might wish you were.

Aaron M. Zook, Jr., a retired U.S. Army colonel, enjoys opening new vistas for young adult readers through his Christian mystery/adventure series. His latest release, The Phantom of the Fortress, is the third book in his Thunder and Lightning series. Two boys and their two dogs, Thunder and Lightning, grow older and wiser in each book, solving one crisis after another around the world. Aaron loves to coach writers, lead others in praise and worship, and volunteer in the community. He lives with his wife in Belton, TX, and they have two married sons and three grandchildren.

Jacqueline Clements is an actor, television host, and producer. No stranger to the stage or screen, Jacqueline is known for being the unpredictable, quirky, girl next door. She continues to appear in television series, commercials, and as an inspirational speaker. Raised in Canada and married to a Bolivian man, she has also developed a love for Bolivia and for projects related to South America. On her plate currently, is an animated series based on the Jeanette Windle children’s novels, The Parker Twins, where the first episode takes the characters to – you guessed it – Bolivia.

Eric Kuiper is the chief creative officer for Studio C, the parent company of a chain of movie theaters called Celebration Cinema. While not the biggest theater chain in the country, Celebration enjoys a 75-year history that includes some of the most innovative and ahead-of-their-time offerings anywhere. They are revolutionizing still – and this could be essential if movie theaters want to thrive in the near future.

Tammy Lane is a writer, director, the owner of Tammy Lane Productions, and of a unique back lot studio in Texas called Capernaum Studios. Named after the biblical village on the shores of the Sea of Galilee, Capernaum’s mission is to teach the love of Christ through live theatrical and film productions. Tammy’s latest project is a television series called Washington’s Armor, stories of the life of a young George Washington. For more information visit her website here.

Angela Breidenbach is a bestselling Montana author, genealogist, and speaker. Angela serves nationally as the Christian Author Network’s (CAN) president. With a volume of appearances on television, onstage, online, and on radio, Angela loves to share her knowledge to help others. For more information visit her website here. 

Author and speaker Karen Whiting shares from her heart to bring creativity, truth, and inspiration to her readers. She shares her messages through her twenty-five books for women, families, and children, plus hundreds of articles, media appearances, and speaking engagements. Her work has appeared in numerous publications, including the Focus on the Family magazine, The Lookout, and Today’s Christian Woman. Karen's book, Stories of Faith and Courage from the Home Front, received the Military Writer Society of America’s Gold Medal. For more information visit her website here.

Lynn Barrington began her career in the entertainment business in Nashville, TN, at Paragon Music. She has worked with Andre Crouch, The Winans, Michael W. Smith, Gary Chapman, Amy Grant, Twila Paris, Dolly Parton, Loretta Lynn and many more. She co-authored the best-selling book Daddy’s and Daughters, and today is working with Producer Chuck Howard on a slate of movies. For more information visit her website here.

Kimberly Rose Johnson is the 2018 Faith Hope and Love Reader’s Choice winner for short contemporary novel. She’s married to her college sweetheart, and lives in the Pacific Northwest. Ever since she was a young child, Kimberly has been an avid reader. That love of reading fostered a creative mind and led to her passion for writing. She especially loves romance and writes contemporary romance and romantic mystery that warms the heart and feeds the soul. For more information visit her website here.

Linda Goldfarb helps people understand themselves so that they can better understand others.  And since relationships are so unavoidable in this life – we might as well do everything we can to make them as good as they can be.  Through her books and assessment tools Linda helps illuminate who we are, and who we are in relationship to one another. For more information visit her website here.  

As daughter of missionary parents, award-winning author and journalist Jeanette Windle grew up in the rural villages, jungles, and mountains of Colombia, now guerrilla hot zones. Her detailed research and writing are so realistic that it has prompted government agencies to question her, trying to determine if she received classified information. Currently based in Lancaster, PA, Jeanette has lived in six countries and traveled through three continents. Those experiences have birthed sixteen international intrigue novels including Veiled Freedom and Congo Dawn. For more information visit her website here.

Although physically blind, Janet Perez Eckles has been teaching thousands to see the best of life. “Because I lost my sight at 31 and endured the murder of my youngest son, along with the acquittal of the man responsible,” Janet says, “my life should’ve been a mess. But God gave me a message to showcase His power, His power at work to conquer fear and turn the deepest pain to a life rich with triumph and success.” This triumph sparked Janet’s passion to help others overcome their own struggles. Without sight, but with insight, her inspiration fills the pages of her four books and keynote presentations. For more information visit her website here.

Ceitci Demirkova is the author of five books, an agent of change, and a force of nature. Her charisma and intellect are matched by her beauty and faith. She now leads a nonprofit known as “Changing a Generation,” dedicated to helping orphans and underprivileged children in Eastern Europe and Africa. Her latest book, Motivated by the Impossible, is a #1 Amazon bestseller. For more information visit her website here.

Michael Joiner is an American actor, stand-up comedian, and filmmaker. Joiner gained exposure when he starred in Sony's The Grace Card with Oscar winner Louis Gossett, Jr. in 2011. Michael started his comedy career after performing in a talent show at his church in Valparaiso, IN in 1991. This led to performing at churches all across the nation, and later on at comedy clubs, colleges and corporate events. In the early 1990’s, he began working as an actor at the community theater in Valparaiso. In early 2000, Michael moved his family to Hollywood, where he studied with Kevin Spacey’s acting coach, John Swanbeck. He signed with Beverly Hills agent William Kerwin in 2003 and soon began receiving commercial and film roles. For more information visit his website here.

Russ Taff was born the fourth of five sons to a fire-breathing, Pentecostal preacher father and a Gospel-music-loving mother. He learned early on that when he sang, people responded. And over the next four decades, they continued to respond. Russ has been awarded six Grammy Awards and eighteen Gospel Music Association Dove Awards. He has been inducted into the Gospel Music Association Hall of Fame an unprecedented three times – as a member of the Imperials, a member of the Gaither Vocal band, and in recognition of his solo career. Russ is the picture of a man filled with gratitude and grace. “God called me to sing when I was just a little preacher’s kid in Farmersville, California,” he says, “and He’s still calling.”

Named “The Most Influential Photographer on the Internet” by Huffington Post, Forbes, and Yahoo in 2014, Jeremy Cowart is an award-winning photographer, artist, and entrepreneur whose mission in life is to "explore the intersection of creativity and empathy." Jeremy has published four books and is a sought-after speaker, having presented at TEDx, the United Nations, and creative conferences across the country. His latest endeavor is “The Purpose Hotel,” a planned global for-profit hotel chain designed to fuel the work of not-for-profit organizations. For more information, please visit Jeremy's website here. 

Mark Sutcliffe made a name for himself in the board game industry. His board games have climbed all the way to number one in the world. Along the way, he found a different calling – and by the hand of Providence, met the people who could make it happen.

Rafael Kalamat grew up in the arts, performing and creating. So did Jason Barbeck. In 2014, they worked together to produce one of Jason’s scripts – a movie called Adam’s Testament. Through that project they discovered a call to share the truth of the gospel, but first they had to overcome their own fears.