The Charles Billingsley Podcast

There are tons of people out there who say they are relationship experts. But what if you could find one that not only knew their stuff, but had built years of proving it out? Well, on today's podcast, we talk with pastor, author, counselor, marriage coach, and our friend - Ted Cunningham. Oh, and by the way... he's a comedian! Hang on for a fun ride that's not just helpful but extremely entertaining.

In this fun and informative episode, Charles talks with the podcast team about what they've been learning over the past few months. One of the main takeaways from this conversation is that we each need to ask ourselves: What is my Why? In other words, what is the main reason I do what I do each day, and maybe even more important than that... do I have a clear vision for where I want to go?

How do you deal with the hard times and struggles in your life? Are you angry and resentful? Or are you able to trust that God knows what He is doing by giving you that "thorn" - and that He even finds you worthy of the privilege of handling it? Tough questions. And yes, thorns really do hurt! But it's real life. And Charles dives into it the beauty of thorns in today's podcast.

If there ever was a podcast episode that you needed to be ready to take notes - this is it! Jon Acuff is the New York Times bestselling author of ten books, including All it Takes is a Goal and Soundtracks. Whether you want to be more productive in your personal or professional life, need advice to tackle that next obstacle, or need some encouragement today, get ready as Charles, Adam, and Brandon pick the brain of one of the smartest guys we've talked with.

Rachel Brown knows the profound pain of loss and the miraculous power of restoration. It's tough enough to go through the death of one spouse, but Rachel has had to go through it twice! When you hear from her, though, you can't help but smile because she radiates joy, purpose, and freedom.In today's podcast, learn not-so-secret principles to finding healing and joy through pain and tragedy.

Being a caregiver to someone is truly a special calling and blessing. But those demands can often leave someone feeling exhausted, isolated, stressed, or unappreciated. Jess and her husband were thrown when they received the medical news that her son Lucas would be born with significant disabilities requiring lifelong care. But not long after that, Jess had to also take care of her 30-year-old husband who was dying of terminal brain cancer. Hear her remarkable story and find out why she decided to turn her attention to other caregivers, just like her, who serve each day with grit and grace.

If you've never heard Brad Stine's comedy - you are really missing an American original. Brad and Charles go way back. Charles helped organize Brad's first live recording, Put a Helmet On!, which launched him into the national scene. But if you think this guy is just about comedy, you are sadly mistaken. Buckle up and get ready for an amazing, fast-paced, and super funny episode!

Wouldn't it be nice to start each year knowing you will be blessed? That each part of your life will have the hand of God Himself on it. In today's podcast, Charles takes each part of this special blessing from the Bible and shares how it applies to your life today as you start 2025!

These guys go way back! Charles and Scottie Wilbanks' friendship started almost 30 years ago during their NewSong days. Although they still work on projects together (Scottie just produced Charles' new song - Celebrate Me Home!), God has taken them down different but amazing roads since. Scottie is currently the keyboard player for Luke Bryan and has played alongside incredible artists like Lionel Ritchie. Buckle up for this podcast - it's a fun and fast trip down memory lane!!

Today's guest has pastored in Kentucky, Alabama, Texas, and now - Tennessee. But his story is much more than just in the pulpit. Adam Dooley and his wife, Heather, have faced some of life's toughest challenges head-on... especially when doctors told him and his wife horrible news about one of their children. Today, we talk about that crisis and how it led to writing an amazing book that could help all of us - Hope When Life Unravels.https://adamdooley.org/

You may have heard his name - but most likely have listened to his voice. Jack Graham is the pastor of Prestonwood Baptist Church, one of the country's largest and most dynamic congregations. He's written numerous books and has a brand new book just released. It's titled The Jesus Book. In this podcast, we'll dive into why he wrote it and why it's such an important read. Also, you'll learn a little more about the man behind the voice.https://jackgraham.org/https://www.amazon.com/Jesus-Book-Reading-Understanding-Yourself/dp/0764243772

We absolutely love having our friend Rick Burgess on the podcast. At the end of this year, he is wrapping up a long and successful career on the incredibly popular Rick and Bubba Show. We will get his thoughts on that as well as his brand new book, Sin Always Matters. Get ready - it's never a dull moment when you talk with Rick!https://www.burgessministries.com/https://www.themanchurch.com/

In just the past few weeks, we've seen multiple, massive storms hit our communities. Hundreds of thousands are dealing with the tragic loss of their homes, property, and even family members. But there is help and there is hope. Today's special guest, Noel Yeatts is the president of World Help. They and their partners are at ground zero of the current devastation all over the southeast and Florida after two hurricanes. But they are also around the world helping the hurting, hungry, and persecuted. Find out how you can join in and bring help to those who need it the most!

We hear the word crisis all the time over so many things. But in today's podcast, we are reminded that the mental health crisis in our country is real and it is growing. Our guest today is Dr. Tim Clinton who is president of the American Association of Christian Counselors, the largest and most diverse Christian counseling association in the world. He shares with us some incredible insight into not just this huge problem but some solutions that are there for each one of us!

Andy Chrisman is a former member of the music group, 4Him as well as a solo recording artist and worship leader. But what you'll find in this podcast is much more than just musical talent - you'll hear his heart and the incredible stories behind so many amazing and beloved songs. Come along for the ride as we catch up with our friend, Andy!

Are you ready for a brand new season of The Charles Billingsley Podcast??!!We are so excited to be back with you. Today, we try to catch up after an extremely eventful summer. So join us as we fill everyone in on what's been going on and what's to come.

It may be the one thing in life that is most desired but the hardest to give. Forgiveness is freely given from God to each one of us. But do you know the true freedom that is found when you forgive someone who has wronged you? Charles dives into this amazing topic and shares how you can experience this one word that can change your entire life!

When David Smallbone's successful music company collapses, he moves his family from Australia to Nashville in search of a brighter future. With just their six children (including Rebecca St. James and Joel and Luke from For KING & COUNTRY) and suitcases, David and Helen set out to rebuild their lives. That's the premise of the new movie coming out this week called, Unsung Hero. In this inspiring podcast, we will dive deeper and hear the heart and soul of this couple who helped start Hillsong Music. It's way more than just the music and packed auditoriums. It's a deeper love that comes out in just about everything they say.https://unsunghero.movie/https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_mYkDJ1vBg4

He's spoken at over 4,000 events sharing the message of hope with millions of teenagers. But the message he has to share is not just for the young but each one of us. Dean story is one that started with brokenness and abuse. But now, It is filled with hope and grounded in faith. No matter your story, this is a podcast that will most definitely encourage and inspire... and maybe even have you looking at your life in a whole new light.https://www.youmatter.us/

Isn't it amazing when someone says they love you!The word ‘love' is one of the most commonly used words in the English language. But, it is also one of the most misused words, as well. When we say we love something or someone, the object of that love can mean anything from ice cream, to a tv show, to a favorite vacation spot, to a person. But where does real love come from? That's what this podcast is all about - the origin of love... what it is and what it is not!

This is the story of the widow's son being healed by Jesus. A beautiful, powerful look at the compassion of Christ – translated into healing for a widow who had just lost her only son.Are you looking for encouragement? Hope? Healing? Today's podcast is just for you!

Do you remember the first time you heard the story of David and Goliath? Remember thinking how big Goliath must have been? How heavy his armor was? How scared the Israelite solders were? And then, here comes this boy with just a sling and five smooth stones to face him head on. Charles dives into this story in today's podcast and really breaks it apart. He shares some incredible Biblical directives taken directly from this story that you can actually start using in your life today to face your giants and yes – even see them tumble to the ground.

That question may sound odd to you... that is, until you hear today's guest. Tim Elmore takes everyday images and turns them into scenes he calls, Habitudes. Get your notes ready - because on today's podcast, we dive into just a few of these images that could change your life. And we find out some inspiring stories that Tim has collected over years from children who have truly changed their world. It is a power-packed episode!

Many of us at times feel taken advantage of or even overlooked. Today's podcast guest knows this all too well.Micheal Morisi has experienced so many occupations... from law enforcement to the strength and conditioning coach of a NFL team. But after the airline he helped start didn't make it, he was sent to prison for a crime that he says never even occurred!.As you'll hear in today's incredible episode, Morisi had a choice: be angry and let the injustice become his identity, or believe every word God said, seek His glory, and receive amazing grace in one of the darkest places imaginable.Michael's bio: https://www.familyfoundation.org/blog/lbzyenr2vr7bk2uiy0uqbhbumvu80tFind the book, It Was Never About Justice, here: https://www.amazon.com/Was-Never-About-Justice-Corruption/dp/1636981216

Did you know that one of the most common illnesses is mental illness. More than 40 million adults, just in the U.S., suffer from some anxiety disorder. So many of us live with fear on a daily basis. And the news and social media aren't making it any better! We know that God tells us not to worry or be anxious. But how?? Charles dives into this and shares with us some keys that will open the lock on those chains of fear, worry, and anxiety.

It seems many of us want to be like everyone else - to blend in. But that's not the best way to live at all. Today, Charles shares with us the important principle of how to share love, joy, peace and so much more just by letting your light shine - and being a real life salt shaker!

How do you take an entire TV season and boil it down into a best selling book? Join us as we welcome back New York times best-selling author, Jerry Jenkins. He's already sold more than 73 million books and he's far from finished. Now, he's taking his son's hit series, The Chosen, and turning into incredible novels. You'll hear some behind the scenes stories as well as some of his favorite scenes.

The beginning of a new year is the perfect time to have a restart. Whether you are trying to start something new or working to stop doing things that haven't worked so well... there's no better time than right now. Today, Charles brings us an encouraging message about how God The Potter has a purpose and plan for you - no matter how broken you think you are. You are priceless when in the hands of the Master Potter!Genesis 2:7 (ESV)Isaiah 64:8 (ESV)Jeremiah 18:1-6 (NKJV)The PotterHe has a purposePsalms 40:1-2 (NKJV)He has a planPsalm 139:13-14 (CSB)Jeremiah 29:11 (NIV)A. He Never Takes His Eyes off of HIs CreationPsalm 139:15-16 (ESV)B. He Never Takes His Mind off of His CreationPsalm 139 (CSB)C. He Never Takes His Hands off of His CreationPsalm 139:5-10 (ESV)

You've probably heard all of your life about the “true meaning of Christmas.” But what does that mean? Even Ebenezer Scrooge in a ‘Christmas Carol' said, “I will honor Christmas in my heart, and try to keep it all year.” How can you honor Christmas all year long? Could it all be wrapped up in one word! On today's very special podcast, Charles wraps up 2023 by walking us through some life lessons focused on that one word that will truly help you not only have a very Merry Christmas but also a Happy New Year!!

Do you have your Christmas menu all picked out? What are your family's holiday favorites? Today, our return guest, Chef William, takes us all the way through an incredible Christmas menu with mouth-watering recipes from how to cook a perfect duck (yes, we said duck!) to the best way to smoke your prime-rib. And if that's not enough, wait until dessert! Get your notes out for this very special and unique episode.

Have you ever thought that the root of many of our health and emotional issues stems from a lack of rest? God thought it important enough to base one of the Ten Commandments around this issue. And today's guest, Dr. Saundra Dalton-Smith, is truly an expert on the importance of what she calls "Sacred Rest". She fills us in on the 7 different types of rest and which one you may need most!

He's a world-class leader who has risen to the top of two worlds – the Armed Services and Higher Education. But you really don't know Dr. Dondi Costin, Liberty University President, until you know his wife, Vickey! You won't want to miss this incredible podcast where we dive deep into what it's like to live the military life of a General and his wife– and then leave it all for something unknown.

No matter where you're from, you've probably heard her live or one of her recordings. Chonda Pierce could be called the Queen of Country comedy. On today's podcast, she sits down to pull back the curtain of her story and have a ton of laughs with the guys. She also explains how, despite the incredible success she's had, she still had to come to terms with something she didn't even realize she had made a goal but never accomplished.www.chonda.org/www.facebook.com/chondapierce

Are you struggling with a relationship in your life that just doesn't ever seem to go right? What if you found an answer - something that you could use starting today? Shaunti Feldhahn sits back down with us to explain just how important kindness is and how it can transform any relationship - starting with you!https://shaunti.com/tb-books/the-kindness-challenge/

Things aren't always as they appear from the outside. And no one knows that better than Penny Nance. She is the CEO and President of the nation's largest public policy women's organization, Concerned Women for America. In this episode, Penny takes us behind the scenes in Israel and tells us real stories from ground zero of the conflict in Gaza.

If you are like many… you have been watching the conflict and tragedy in Israel and Gaza with sadness and horror. We see evil personified, and we see the ramifications of what happens after. There are hundreds of dead, many held hostage, many more wounded and thousands upon thousands fleeing for their lives. But what is behind all this? And why should we care? We dive into it all with Mark Jenkins, an Israeli expert who has worked with Yad Vashem, AIPAC, and the International Christian Embassy Jerusalem.#hopeforIsraelhttps://www.facebook.com/hopeforisraelPray for Jerusalem song: https://youtu.be/1k8axEPL_CY

You can't watch any kind of media today without seeing the pain and suffering of millions around the world. From the crisis in the Middle East to Ukraine – many are being persecuted. And that's right where today's podcast guest has been for years. Johnnie Moore has been called one of America's most influential evangelical leaders, but he is known for his multi-faith work at the intersection of faith and foreign policy. Especially when it comes to persecuted believers. Learn the back story of what is going on around the world today and how it can truly help your faith!

She's the queen of print. Now, she's about to conquer the silver screen! Join Charles as he talks with Karen Kingsbury about her very first novel to become a movie! She also talks about how she is taking her fiction family - the Baxters - and giving us a sneak peek into how the whole story started. This is truly a must-listen-to episode!

Have you ever met a real superhero? How about one that almost died? Today, join us as we sit down with Hercules! Larger-than-life actor, Kevin Sorbo and his wife, Sam, share with us the incredible highs and tragic lows of coming close to death and then actually being kicked out of Hollywood- maybe one of the first victims of cancel culture. Now, he and Sam make more movies than ever, like the soon-to-be-released, Miracle in East Texas - all for a different audience and a higher purpose.https://www.sorbostudios.com/https://www.kevinsorbo.net/https://www.samsorbo.com/

We are so happy to have one of our favorite guests back on the podcast. Ike Reighard is a pastor, an author, and even a “Chief People Officer” of a mortgage company. We heard his amazing story of tragedy, loss, and recovery. But now he dives into what it takes to be a leader who people actually want to follow. And he's proven it over and over. And no matter what your occupation or station in life is – you are a leader. Get out something to write with because there is so much incredible wisdom coming to you from a man who is as smart as he is funny!

Noel Yeatts has been living on, or near, mission work most of her life. And now, as the president of World Help, she is on the cutting edge of humanitarian work around the globe. But today, she takes us behind the scenes of some of the neediest places and puts a human face on tragedy. She also dives into the hard questions of the "either/or" of helping others - how it's time to stop having to choose between the physical or spiritual needs of our neighbors around the world.www.worldhelp.netwww.worldhelp.net/bothbook

Reba McEntire, Michael McDonald, Toby Mac. These are just a few of the amazing singers with whom today's podcast guests have shared the stage.A couple of months ago, Charles had an idea to invite the five best musicians in the country to gather in the studio for only one week to create an album spontaneously. This amazing project is coming out in just a few weeks. But in today's episode, we bring everyone together and pull back the curtain - not just about making this album but about the entire music industry.

Have you ever felt like you were a passenger instead of the driver of your life? Realizing days, weeks, and even years are flying by and you don't know where they went?Lance Witt helps us kick off Season 4 with a down-to-earth and insightful episode that really digs into how to live with a "healthy soul" and lead with purpose and passion. Lance knows what he's talking about. While leading the 40 Days of Purpose campaign he realized he wasn't taking care of himself and everyone around him was suffering. Today, after more than 40 years of experience, he helps all of us to "own, live, and love our one and only life."Resources:In 2007, Lance launched a ministry called Replenish.https://replenish.net/Lance's books include…Replenish… a resource for pastors and ministry leaders on doing ministry without losing their soul.https://www.amazon.com/Replenish-Leading-Healthy-Lance-Witt-ebook/dp/B004WOS1DS/ref=sr_1_1?dchild=1&keywords=Replenish+witt&qid=1624305902&sr=8-1High Impact Teams… a resource to catalyze teams to increased health and high performance.https://www.amazon.com/High-Impact-Teams-Lance-Witt/dp/0801075688/ref=sr_1_1?crid=1OTJIK4FXEXKM&keywords=high+impact+teams+lance+witt&qid=1694600374&sprefix=high+impact+teams+%2Caps%2C124&sr=8-1Your ONE Life… This newest book is focused on helping people own, live, and love their one and only life.https://www.amazon.com/Your-One-Life-Live-Love/dp/1540901661/ref=tmm_hrd_swatch_0?_encoding=UTF8&qid=&sr=

In this final edition of the third season, the guys come together to share best practices and examples of how best to communicate to just about any audience in just about any setting. Sit back for a fun and informative episode that gives a glimpse of Charles' philosophy of communication.

We are now in the heat of Summer - and that means to many of us it's time to heat up the smoker and start to barbeque! But there are so many ways to get that awesome taste. That's why we decided to talk with our friend, Chef William Sigley, for his take on great ways to get the most from your smoker and truly wow the guests at your next cookout! Get ready to take notes on this super interesting and helpful episode.

We are so thankful for the people we've been able to talk with and the stories we've been able to hear on the first few seasons of The Charles Billingsley Podcast! We take another trip down memory lane in this second part of our “Best Of” show. Today's look back includes these incredible guests:Pat WilliamsPaul and Amy WillJames BrownRick BurgessLarry the Cable GuyShaunti FeldhahnSandi Patty

It has been an amazing few seasons of The Charles Billingsley Podcast! We have loved every guest and are still encouraged and inspired by their stories. We hope you enjoy this short trip down memory lane as we reconnect with:Karen KingsburyHugh FreezeMitch AlbomIke ReighardMichelle HordMichelle NorwoodAs we prepare for next season, please don't hesitate to let us know any guest you'd love for us to try and talk with.

Her voice is unmistakable. TaRanda Green is one of the premier vocalists of our time. She's been singing all over the world since she was a little girl. After getting married she was living the dream. But then, as she tells her good friend, Charles, tragedy struck and everything crashed down. You will love her humor and authenticity as we dive into her story of love, loss, and living life again.

He co-hosts one of the nation's most popular morning radio shows, The Rick and Bubba Show. More than 3 million people listen to Rick Burgess every day. But what really fuels his passion is how to live a transformed life. He walks through with Charles and the gang how to not have a "demonic faith" but a true life-altering faith that really works.

Just when you think you've heard everything something new takes your breath away. Today we turn our attention to the world of human sex trafficking. It's very real and is something we all need to open our eyes to and pay attention. Today's guest is Joy Cover. She is the president of Freedom 424 who's main mission is to prevent and end sexual exploitation and trafficking locally and globally. Hang on as she tells Charles and the team some stories behind the scenes and how your children could be vulnerable just by playing video games.Show Notes:Internet Crimes Against Children Taskforce (ICAC) stat:Data is for Jan-Dec 2022, and only includes our Task Force area, it does not include NOVA ICAC.Arrests – 212Child id/rescue – 122Here is the source regarding the study about children not wanting to disappoint parents: A 20-year study indicates that 53% of youth are very or extremely concerned about disappointing their parents (From The Real Truth About Teens and Sex)Joy Cover: joy@freedom424.orgFreedom 424 office number: 434-582-4517.Freedom 424 website: www.freedom424.org

What do you do and who do you turn to when you find yourself at the bottom looking up? Whether it's drugs, alcohol, a boyfriend or girlfriend, shopping for the deal, or something else – many of us are looking for the next “fix”. Fred and Casey Weymouth have been there and done that. Now, they sit down with Charles to talk about how when nothing else would work, they found that it wasn't a something but a Someone! Hang on for not one, but two amazing stories that come together in an unbelievable way.https://thefixministry.org