Praisecast - The Praise.com podcast

Emerging contemporary Christian musical artist Cade Thompson joins us to share the importance of remembering all the wonderful things God has done for us and that through life's beautiful mystery the best is yet to come. The Praisecast team discusses a few ways to ensure your well of creativity never runs dry in this world of quarantine we are living in, they discuss the power of authentic relationships God has for us, and Kimberly takes us on Stephen Curtis Chapman's “The Great Adventure” with her singing voice. This week's bizarre quote: “Let me just say my bright orange beanie stood out like a beacon.””””

Six-time Grammy winner Amy Grant joins us to share her thoughtful reflections about the album that defined a turning point in her legendary career, the health scare that led to her highly invasive surgery, and the importance of mentoring the next generation of Christian musical artists. The Praisecast team discusses five ways to praise ourselves out of a funk, how to best grieve the ones we love and have lost, and Kimberly explains why she may have looked to zebras for sustenance during a trip to Kenya. And this episode's bizarre quote: “That's a pretty sophisticated piece of technology you have in your ear!”””

Rising contemporary Christian singer/songwriter Ellie Holcomb joins us to share how a recent trip to the Grand Canyon inspired her to scrap songs for a new album and record an entirely different record, one that is an affirmation of God's promises brought to life. The Praisecast team discusses a few things that are beautiful about the Church, they take a look at a few Back to School products that make you go … hmm, and Chris details a recent mistake he made that could bring a financial windfall during the holiday season. And this episode's bizarre quote: “And another thing, I am powered by sophisticated puppetry!””

Eight-time Dove Award winning Mercy Me's Bart Millard and Mike Scheuchzer join us to share how the coronavirus pandemic heavily influenced the recording of their latest album, “Inhale (Exhale)” and how it serves as a potent reminder that Jesus is still in control. The Praisecast team discusses the terrifying truth about bad habits and how to make them into good ones through the power of prayer, and speaking of the power of prayer, Chris shares how a recent hiking adventure showed him a whole new dimension of fervent personal intercession.”

Former Tenth Avenue North frontman Mike Donehey joins us to share valuable lessons that God has taught him during his 20 year tenure with the three-time Dove Award-winning band. He also fills us in on what he has been up to during the pandemic and shares a few of his greatest songwriter influences. The Praisecast team discuss what to do when God says no to your dream, they take a look at graduation products that make you go … hmm, and they wade through the intricacies and inconsistencies of getting back to normal from the pandemic. And if that is not enough, can it be possible that Chris has gone from being hangry to being sluggish and sleepy?”

Grammy and Emmy Award-winning entertainer Harry Connick Jr. joins us to share how he spent the last year recording a new Gospel album all by himself as a result of the COVID-19 lockdown. Beyond playing multiple instruments and singing every note, it is his desire that listeners will find a sense of comfort from these time-tested hymns of hope and redemption. The Praisecast team discuss how to know whether your dream is from God or somewhere else, they take a look at products for the new job that make you go … hmm, and they bid a fond farewell to Bekah who is leaving the podcast. What? It can’t be so! ”

Author, journalist, and Christian entertainer Jeannie Ortega-Law joins us to discuss her new book, “What is Happening to Me?”, how to guard your heart and mind from evil, and how to find the love of God and His purpose for your life. The Praisecast team takes inventory of some of the quirkier developments during the coronavirus pandemic, they sift through the various ways to find out if you are spending too much time on social media, and Kimberly declares she would prefer prison to spending a few days in the belly of a whale. Let’s just say she’s no Jonah!”

In a very special episode, the Praisecast team remembers and pays tribute to former co-host Hannah Goodwyn. After a 13 month long battle, Hannah lost her fight with cancer on March 5th. While Hannah has departed this earth, she will certainly be remembered as a dear colleague and friend. We honor Hannah for what she meant to The Praisecast as an original co-host, life lessons that we can learn from her, and most importantly, her unbridled and unrelenting faith in Jesus Christ. Along the way, the Praiscast team and friends share a few funny stories about Hannah, her passion for travel, writing, and film, and above all her loyal friendship and kindness. A must listen.”

Author, therapist, and ordained minister Ryan Casey Waller joins us to offer guidance and companionship to Christians who have who have experienced mental illness or love someone who has. He also believes a conversation is long overdue in the Church and the wider culture on how to best come alongside those who suffer. The Praisecast team reviews a new study that has determined what an American’s ideal age is (hint, hint, it’s probably not yours), they reveal their ultimate high school Christian music playlits, and it’s that time of year for Chris to suffer through his annual pet peeve. “So, you love to cook but you don’t like the idea of cooking? Uh, ok.”

Dove Award-nominated Christian recording artist Phil Joel joins us to talk about his latest solo album, the importance of ecological stewardship of what God has given us, and leaving listeners space to interpret faith-infused lyrics. The Praisecast team discusses important things to look for when dating a Christian, why the Five Love Languages quiz could open the door to better relationships, and a few Super Bowl commercials that caught their eye. And for the record, we still don’t quite understand what the song “Entertaining Angels” means!”

Dove Award-winning Christian recording artist Jordan Feliz joins us to talk about his latest album, "Say It", why he decided to release it just a few days before Christmas, and how the thread of hope and heaven weaves itself throughout the recording’s 13 songs. The Praisecast team discusses how to effectively de-clutter your life in the new year, they challenge you to make a resolution that scares you in 2021, and Chris chronicles his recent visit to the socially distanced Department of Motor Vehicles. And yes, there are even two Name Dropping Alerts!”

Six-time Dove Award winner John Cooper joins us to discuss Skillet’s latest releases, “Victorious: The Aftermath”, graphic novel “Eden II”, living life in quarantine, and civil unrest in his own hometown. The Praisecast team digs into a very serious topic … the cult of comparison on social media, Chris provides insight on his recent COVID-19 test, and they engage in the first Praisecast debate ever: Holy Ghost Wiener Roast vs. Trunk or Treat in the church parking lot. And by the way, Chris’s test was negative!”

Millennial author/speaker Ben Courson joins us to discuss his latest book, “Flirting with Darkness”, and to offer some practical ways to build hope in your darkest hour of depression. The Praisecast team offers up a few suggestions on how to not go crazy working from home during the coronavirus pandemic, Bekah provides highlights from her first Covid era birthday party, the team tries to determine whether it would be better to be Samson or Solomon. “I’m glad you said that because neuroplasticity is one of my favorite words!”

Chad Veach, Pastor of Zoe Church in Los Angeles joins us to share some thought provoking leadership principles from his latest book, “Help! I Work with People”, including this tasty nugget … it is important to be unproductive at work once in a while. The Praisecast team explores a Texas megachurch pastor’s decision to step away due to the sin of pride, they try to determine whether the traditional potluck church supper is a thing of the past because of COVID-19, and they introduce a new feature called Pop Quiz! “You only have three degrees of separation to Arnold Schwarzenegger? C’mon!”

Grammy-nominated contemporary Christian singer/songwriter Cory Asbury joins us to share how his song “Reckless Love” changed his entire musical trajectory, the profound benefits of a sabbatical, and how his time away helped him develop an entirely new perspective on his relationship with God. The Praisecast team takes a look at the five friends you need to stay in touch with right now during the coronavirus pandemic, and Bekah offers up an entirely new lineup of Products That Make You Go … Hmm? – the COVID-19 Back to School edition. “I dare say I would rather social distance by wearing a blow-up bubble ball with sprouting thorns than a facemask!”

Grammy-nominated contemporary Christian singer/songwriter Ryan Stvenson joins us to share about the deep facets of his life and experiences while allowing listeners to take a peek at the innermost corners of his heart and mind. The Praisecast team takes a look at 10 church phrases that really need to go away, they ponder the importance of naming a child to honor and glorify God, and they try to determine whether Bekah’s new boating license allows her to perform weddings at sea. “And if you are on the water, please wear a personal flotation device!”

Well-known activist/evangelist Christine Caine joins us to share about her new podcast Equip & Empower, her passion for reaching people with the Gospel message, and why it is important to make Scripture a focal point in everything we do. The Praisecast team discusses a new survey that indicates young white evangelicals are less likely to follow COVID-19 mandates, they examine how this year’s Fourth of July celebrations will be very different, and they take a look at few coronavirus facemasks that will make you go … hmm. “I’m not sure I want to live in a world where it is normal to wear my pet on my face!”

Popular Comedian Michael Jr. joins us to share about his new movie Selfie-Dad, why people struggle so much with their self-worth, and how comedy and laughter play vital roles in leading a life of purpose. The Praisecast team discusses the critically important topic of racial reconciliation with Dr. Jennifer E. Jones, who specializes in black studies as related to television and film, and they honor Father’s Day by telling some wacky Dad jokes. For example, how does a penguin build its house? Igloos it together!

Emerging contemporary Christian recording artist Jillian Edwards joins us share how our hunger for God is a blessing rather than a burden and how her EP, Meadow, is a place of peace and abundance. The Praisecast team discusses new trend that is causing single women to leave the Church, they provide updates on how churches are desperately trying to get back to normal despite the quarantine, and they cue up a new segment that is guaranteed to get results in less than five seconds! What happened to the good old days of meeting your future spouse by diving into a pile of shoes?

Two-time Grammy Award winner Matt Redman joins us to share why the lyric is the ultimate part of a worship song, the need for traditional hymns to be a focal point of Christian music going forward, and the best ways to make worship culturally relevant. The Praisecast team discusses a new study that reveals that eight in ten evangelicals live outside of the United States, they offer up a few tips for fighting the coronavirus, and the gang takes a look at a few frozen foods that definitely make you … hmm? The deep-fried chocolate twinkie is real and allegedly edible!

On this special Valentine’s Day episode, licensed psychologist and certified Christian sex therapist Jessica McCLeese joins us to share her perspective on helping Christian couples enjoy a fulfilling marriage. She believes that God can restore those that experience emotional pain in their sexual intimacy. The Praisecast team discusses whether this year’s Super Bowl Halftime Show featuring Shakira and Jennifer Lopez was fun, family entertainment or completely inappropriate, they walk th

Best known for his watershed book “Wild at Heart”, author John Eldredge joins us to share a few simple practices that will not only help to recover your soul but also to discover the restorative power of beauty. The Praisecast team reflects on the recent tragedies involving Kobe Bryant and tobyMac’s son and how to best minister to people who are hurting, they discuss the latest turmoil in the Royal Family, and Garrett opens up “The Tip Jar” to share some helpful suggestions to make a positive impact in your life as well as others.

Best known for his breakout hit “Chain Breaker” in 2017, Zach Williams joins us to share about his road to deliverance, the pressure to keep recording hit songs, and how God can use anything to write your ‘rescue story’. The Praisecast team takes a look at the possibility for a potential DC Talk movie, they discuss how less technology in your life can grow your faith, and Bekah spins up some classic Christian hit songs from the 1990s that seem to have been forgotten. “I really think that’s Steven Curtis Chapman.” Wrong!

Jerrad Lopes, pastor and founder of men’s ministry Dad Tired joins us to discuss equipping men to lead their family well and some fool proof ways to avoid stumbling their way through spiritual leadership. The Praisecast team takes a look at some “good news” stories from 2019 that will encourage and inspire you. They also share the Praisecast word of the year … and the nominees are Conundrum, Inculcate, Congeal, and Gobinet. Chris’s new beard looks like the Lorax? C’mon!

Big Daddy Weave front man Mike Weaver joins us to share about several of the band’s new projects, what has kept them going for 21 years, and how they found joy in places that hurt the most. The Praisecast team takes a look at the recent shocking revelation involving Christian comedian John Crist and how people of faith should respond. They also examine a list of Thanksgiving food products that will definitely make you go … hmm? And who on earth is this Gobinet guy?

Singer/songwriter Jeremy Camp joins us to share how a near debilitating time in his life has led into a new season of creativity that includes a new album, “The Story is Not Over” and a forthcoming movie about his life called “I Still Believe”. The Praisecast team updates listeners on the latest “Kanye in the News” and they discuss the six friends every Christian has and the one they really need. Finally, was actress Kimberly Williams-Paisley (“Father of the Bride”) really laughing at Chris at Dollywood?

New York Times bestselling author and YouTube sensation Jefferson Bethke joins us to discuss why today’s accelerated hustle of life is killing us and he shares a few simple ways to slow down to find purpose and meaning in your daily pursuit. The Praisecast team also welcomes a new co-host, they chat about Kanye West’s decision to ditch popular music for good, and the team sifts through several tips on how to best help a friend grow in their faith. Finally, “Are you willing to take a stand on that hill for a lobster?”

Harvest Christian Fellowship Senior Pastor Greg Laurie joins us to chat about the Man in Black’s larger than life presence across American culture and how his faith relates to the journey of everyday Christians. The Praisecast team discusses Lauren Daigle’s recent partnership with a prominent dating app and they try to figure out when to draw the line on texting relationships that just don’t seem to be going anywhere. Just who is this Mr. Singer?

Skillet front man John Cooper joins us to chat about the disparities he sees in today's Christian music scene and the album that he calls "the soundtrack to triumph". The Praisecast team welcomes a guest host with a rather 'fascinating' family tradition, they discuss the impact that Kanye West's new gospel album could have on popular culture, and the team takes a look at a few back to school products that make you go … hmm? Who wouldn't want an alarm clock that you can only turn off with a key?

Pastor, author, movie producer, and television personality Samuel Rodriguez joins us to chat about his new book, "You are Next", which uses the New Testament account of Jesus healing the paralytic man to show that it actually might be us in standing in the way of making our dreams come true. The Praisecast team takes a deep dive into the recent turmoil surrounding notable Christian artists leaving their faith, Bekah determines that Chris is really oblivious to the world around him, and they take a look at a few summer leisure products that make you go … hmm? Who wouldn't want an air conditioned shirt!

Faith & Fitness Magazine founder and publisher Brad Bloom joins us to talk about how the Church can make stronger connections between a person's faith and the fitness lifestyle. He also tells us how a person can use personal fitness as a tool for healthy and passionate living. The Praisecast team takes a look at a new study from an unlikely source that suggests that your mobile device may be controlling your eating habits, they share some sage advice on what not to do in a perilous situation, and Hannah makes a special announcement that could alter the future of The Praisecast. Quick tip: Donuts are not a tool for healthy living!

Grammy Award winning guitarist Brian "Head" Welch joins us to talk about his new documentary, "Loud Krazy Love", which takes an in depth look at his radical conversion to Christianity, raising his daughter alone, and his decision to leave Korn and then rejoin the band eight years later. The Praisecast team determines whether having Christian friends can save your life, they share their favorite summertime activities that may or may not include kayaking, fighting bears, and hammock habitation, while Bekah accuses Chris and Hannah for taking The Office character quiz twice. "I always thought I was a little more Pam-ish."

Veteran contemporary Christian musical artist Josh Wilson joins us to discuss his latest recording, "Don't Look Back," his battle with anxiety, and how putting his trust in God changed his life. The Praisecast team takes a look at a new promotion from Wendy's Restaurants that shines a light on the importance of adoption, Chris gives a report on his recent trip to see 1980s hair metal band Stryper play live, and they open up the Praisecast Listener Mailbag to answer a few emails. Shrimp scampi in a movie theater? Still an emphatic no!

World-renowned photographer and philanthropist Jeremy Cowart joins us to share his personal story, one that will inspire listeners with the message that all things are possible when we actively engage our God-given purpose to change the world. The Praisecast team explores wacky eating habits, they discuss why your eating habits matter to God, and Chris, Hannah, and Bekah highlight a few unique non-profit charities who are changing the world in creative ways. But back to the wacky eating habits … ketchup on corn on the cob!! Seriously?

Dove Award nominated hip hop artist Steven Malcolm joins us talk about his surprise collaboration with Natalie Grant and why it is important to merge musical genres … especially in Christian music. The Praisecast team shares a few cheesy songs that they secretly love, they discuss a few upcoming summer movies including one that Chris actually appears in, and Bekah takes us on a tour of some of the strangest musical duets of all-time. By the way, "Downton Abbey" does not qualify as a summer movie!

Millennial Author/Pastor Ben Courson joins us to suggest we were created to stand out and to encourage you to live a life of abandon, one that is filled with unbridled hope. The Praisecast team conducts their first segment that demands a disclaimer, they discuss some contemporary heroes of faith that fit the definition of an 'Optimisfit', and Chris takes us on a journey of discovering the strangest food items ever smuggled into a movie theater. Those are some blazing hot dogs!

Who would have thunk it … welcome to Season Three! Author/Pastor Kyle Idleman joins us to encourage people to find the confidence and the courage to keep going when you feel tired, discouraged, and overwhelmed. The Praisecast team does some 'sole' searching in regard to a new Instagram page that chronicles the rather expensive footwear habits of some well-known pastors, while Bekah gives us a crash course in proper axe-throwing techniques!

Lindy Conant-Cofer, lead singer for the praise and worship band Lindy & the Circuit Riders joins us to share about their new album, why they consider themselves 'musicianaries', and the concept of spontaneous worship. The Praisecast team explores the misconceptions people have about the Lenten season with special guest Arleen Spenceley, Bekah regales us with tales (no pun intended) of her recent encounter with a furry creature, and the team discusses whether it is more important to be religious or spiritual. Eeeck!!

Heisman Trophy winner, former NFL quarterback, professional baseball player, and published author Tim Tebow has now added movie producing to his ever-burgeoning resume. He joins us to share why he got into moviemaking with Run the Race, how God always has better plans than what we could ever dream of, and what attracted him to his fiancé Demi-Leigh Nel-Peters. The Praisecast team takes an inside look at ways to protect your joy with author Jennifer E. Jones, they unveil a few Tim Tebow-related products that make you go … hmm, and Chris has a few observations about the current Winter Jam Tour. Let's just say any drummer who wears a cable knit sweater onstage rocks!

Switchfoot frontman Jon Foreman joins us to share his thoughts on the band's eleventh studio release, the concept of joy as a choice, and how bandmate Jerome Fontamillas' cancer scare has re-energized them. The Praisecast team unpacks and puts back together some rather difficult texting abbreviations and they determine that attending concerts can be hazardous to your health. Let's just say always be on the lookout for flying water bottles at a tobyMac concert!

Dallas Jenkins, director of the new online TV series "The Chosen", joins us to share how his greatest professional setback actually opened the door to a new groundbreaking project on the life of Jesus that has become the largest Go Fund Me entertainment project in history. The Praisecast team celebrates its 25th episode with an inside look at peculiar but interesting facts about the number 25. They investigate the crisis currently taking place in Venezuela and pray for peace, comfort, and godly leaders in that Latin American nation. And finally, we're not sure what happened but this week's episode features not one but two Nicholas Cage references!

Arleen Spenceley, author of the book Chastity is for Lovers: Single, Happy, and Still a Virgin, joins us to share her thoughts on the topic of abstinence and to equip you to worry less and to trust God more. What do the Lord of the Rings, The Chronicles of Narnia, and Avatar all have in common? The Praisecast team answers this question and tests their knowledge on one of the least populated nations in the world. They debate whether it is ok for Lauren Daigle to take issue with the "Christian artist" label, and the team provides updates on whether they are succeeding or failing at their New Year's resolutions. It's been less than a month. Could things be falling apart already?

Hollywood actress Candace Cameron Bure (Full House) joins us on our "Year End Spectacular" to share her thoughts on the importance of kindness and what she is most looking forward to in 2019. 10 … 9 … 8 … 7 … can it really be the end of the year? Before the ball drops in New York's Time Square, the Praisecast team looks back to their resolutions from last year and proclaims some new ones for 2019. They decide to 'give God more space' over the next 12 months to do remarkable things and make it their mission to have actress Lacey Chabert on the podcast as a guest in the new year.

It's beginning to look a lot like Christmas! On this very special yuletide episode, singer/songwriter Matt Maher joins us to share the significance of observing advent and how the darkest time of year actually shines the brightest due to God's gift to mankind. Baubles, beads, twinkly lights, and a Canadian candy that requires a hammer to consume its sugary goodness? The Praisecast team shares their favorite holiday memories, they determine that Charlie Brown actually does Christmas best, and some rather bizarre office Christmas party gifts are unveiled that will really make you go … hmm?

This week, Season 8 American Idol finalist Jasmine Murray joins us to share about her battle with anxiety and depression. Also, psychologist Dr. Crista Gambrell joins us in studio to share tips on how fight anxiety and depression, especially during the holiday season. With marketing campaigns beginning earlier and earlier for Halloween and Christmas, the Praisecast team takes a good, hard look at what is becoming a forgotten holiday …Thanksgiving. Can we get a gobble, gobble? Please? And finally, we've got some stress reduction products that will definitely make you go … hmm. Let's just say a scalp massage tingler can make a world of difference!

This week, Charlotte Pence, daughter of Vice President Mike Pence, joins us to share about her new book, Where You Go, and the most valuable lessons about life and faith that her father has taught her. And folks, we can assure you these lessons have nothing to do with politics! Also, it's time for the mid-term elections and that can only mean one thing … the Praisecast team ponders whether it is ever a good time to discuss politics on your social media pages. And if that's not enough, they 'kiss dating goodbye' … not really, but they take apart author Josh Harris's recent mea culpa and put it back together again! Fortunately, they didn't need to use any glue!

This week, 20-time Dove Award winner TobyMac joins us to share about his new album, The Elements, and the social significance of one of its songs. He believes that we can celebrate the richness of life through our diversity. The Praisecast team tries to figure out if Church harvest parties on Halloween night are beneficial or just a way of surrendering the neighborhood to ghouls, goblins, and you know who! And they analyze a new study from England that says kids want more women super heroes. Hopefully, this will speed up the delayed Wonder Woman sequel!

This week, popular Christian pop singer Blanca joins us to share how she overcame feeling empty and broken from her loss to record her latest album Shattered. Her belief is that being transparent, honest, and real can bring healing. The Praisecast team discusses Avril Lavigne's return to music after five years with the release of a … praise and worship song! And upon personal reflection, they answer one of life's most important questions … what's one thing you would change about yourself? And let's just say some of their answers are very INTERESTING! Will someone please zap him?

Evangelist Greg Laurie joins us share about his new book "Jesus Revolution", how God transformed an unlikely generation, and how He can do it again. The well-known California pastor also explains that it could be all about the music!The Praisecast team discusses whether it might be time to ditch our prayer lists. They take a look at some fun, fall products that are sure to make you go ... hmm! And they use Google Translate to learn how to pronounce The Praisecast in many different languages. Give "praise cast" a shot in Swahili: "Kutumwa kwa sifa!"

This week, well-known Hollywood Actress Melissa Joan Hart joins us to share about her 20 plus years acting in various television programs including Clarissa Explains It All and Melissa & Joey as well as her Christian movie debut in God's Not Dead 2. She also explains why she has difficulty memorizing Bible verses! The Praisecast team takes a moment to reflect on the events of September 11, 2001, and the impact it has had on living a life of praise and worship. They also introduce a new segment called "Would You Rather", a chance to seek answers for life's most ridiculous questions. For example, would you rather be stranded on a deserted island alone or in Antarctica with a group of friends? Hmm…

This week, Mr. Rogers' friend and former pastor Dr. George Wirth joins us to share the inside story behind the cultural phenomenon of Mister Rogers' Neighborhood and the new documentary Won't You Be My Neighbor? Could it be something about living by the Golden Rule? The Praisecast team walks us through a guide to evangelical celebrities and their pastors who are dominating Hollywood, they discuss the importance of Psalm 118:24 and how it applies to daily life, and yes, an all new installment of Products That Make You Go … Hmm? – the Back to School edition. Did someone say edible pencils?