The Morning Cruise Replay

We're back to business for the first full week in our new home. And for many teachers and students in our listening areas, it is back to school time as well.  Hitch is back from vacation and getting used to his new space. Over the weekend, Carmen had some help getting some things ready for others in the office to have their first day in the new building as well. And she's a bit concerned that it will not be business in usual after an earthquake impacted NYC over the weekend and she'll...

Bill kicked of the morning revisiting a thought on "eschatological vison" for our life.There's a gap between those who know text etiquette and those who are just figuring out what an emoji is, Bill, Jules and Chad go through what might be good and what could be bad texting practices. While on their trip to Nashville, Dave, Bill and Carmen sat down with friend and sister Natalie Grant!From singing the National Anthem and meeting Tom Brady to what it's like raising...

Dave opens the morning with a word from John 8:12, how Jesus shines the light of the Gospel into our lives. Carmen gushes about her love for Cece Winans, as The Morning Cruise looks over her impressive career and how she's continued to stay grounded and relevant. Haley come onto the Cruise to talk packing things up for Car Car and how what memories she'll be taking with her to the new building. In Cruise fashion, with being over a month away, how could they NOT talk FOOTBALL...

Dave dives into the idea of having an “unshakable faith” in today's morning devotion. Carmen reflects on her emotions as the team prepares to move into a new building. With a longer commute ahead, Dave and Bill are figuring out how to make the most of their extended time in the car. As summer heats up, Carmen is planning a getaway to New York City—hoping...

Bill dives in to the idea of an "unshakable faith" in today's morning devotion. The Hulkster, Terry Bollea, passed away at the age of 71. With a history with it's own hills and valleys, Bill discussed the westled faith behind the legendary wrestler.Carmen tag-teams in with her own story of a Hulk Hogan encounter. The Cruise discusses a couples' Coast-to-Coast vacation, visiting all 63 National Parks, over 9 years!

Dave started off hot with The Iron Dome! A new mosquito repelent that sounds more Star Wars than anything else.The Morning Cruise reacts to the story of 29 year old Estrella, who befriended 97 year old Lilian, over a car ride and a Wendy's meal. Hope Darst became fast friends with the Cruise, as she talks everything from her "late" start at a record deal, the stories behind some of your favorite songs and what it is to be passionate about the gospel in a post-truth world. 

Celebrating it's 250th year, the postal service gets a mention, as well as Bill being awstruck with the value of stamp collections and some of the most prized pieces. The Morning Cruise discusses some of the top Sodas and Bottoled Waters in the US, as well as some of the strengest orders they've encountered in the drive-thruCarmen talks Sam Ponder, after her ESPN firing over a year ago - Sam took to The Sage Steele Podcast to talk things through! LISTEN HERESome...

With the Cruise' time in the building The JOY FM has called home the last 39 years, dwindling down, there's an excitement for the move and a pause for the memories. As a born and bread Alabama fan, Carmen talks through the new documentary "Nothing But A Winner". Which chronicles the rise of the greatest college football program in the history of the sport – the University of Alabama Crimson Tide.Bill went borderline full existential,...

Dave stumbpled on a fan he swore was made for Carmen. Sleek, soft-toned and surprisingly spot on with her vibe. She tried it. He was right. Who knew Dave had such an eye for aesthetic?Scottie Scheffler claimed his first US Open, proving calm consistency can still be headline-worthy. A first time win that felt less like a fluke and more like fate catching up. Bill showed the crew a video of an emotional support kangaroo had the internet feeling some kind of way, until...

After we re-shared our conversation with Dave Barnes, Bill wanted to offer some encouragement to parents as their teens go through growing pains. Dave has found that that encouragement is needed for adult children as well.  The family of Chase Childers is going through the pain of his loss after drowning while trying to save a family of 5 in a rip tide. A GoFundMe has been established to help his wife and children.  If you need help going through a pain point in life, you may want...

Dave wasn't forced to put together his own office furniture but the circumstances gave him the opportunity to do so.  As others moved some things around the office, Dave, through force of circumstance, had to drink some different coffee this morning.  There's only so many 5-letter words in the English language and  through force of circumstance, sometimes the editors need to pick some obscure words like they did the last couple of days.  Through force of circumstance, Dave...

  If you would like to travel back in time, you don't need to pack, you can just go on Google Earth to see what life was like in the last 20 years around the globe.  We're trying to pack up our offices for the move to our new studios in Riverview but life keeps getting in the way.  Before we got to Dave Barnes, we had to squeeze in our Midweek Praise Break featuring the songs, Worthy Of It All, O Come To The Altar, and Is He Worthy.  Bill shared the story of a woman...

Dave was surprised to learn how a certain breed of dog was responsible for rescuers finding a man. And he was just as surprised as some in the Pittsburgh airport that found a diamond.  Bill will always find a way to play a game on the show. And today, he led us in a game of Bible Trivia Tuesday. One of the questions prompted Carmen to find a sermon that she heard from Robert Madu.  Carmen then found a way to get back at Bill with her 5 Useless Facts Tuesday. She also answered a...

Dave took a quick trip to the BIg Apple to see Chris Tomlin as he performed "Under The Stars" in Central Park. He shared about his experience over the weekend.  Finding the perfect gift for Dave is a tall order for Bill and often comes with a big price tag.  Moving is a big job and we have a lot of "what-nots" lying around the office. As we look to de-clutter, Carmen gave away a replica of a tall ship from for King & Country to a listener and Dave was inspired to do the same.  Joel...

Missing a Gen Z coworker in your office? They're not lost. They are probably just "bathroom camping".  Carmen had a moment this morning when she thought she lost her wedding ring. Turns out, she just left it at home as she was lost in thought with all that is going on at work and home.  Have you ever lost a gemstone in your ring? Bill had that thought recently.  A 19-year-old is on a solo flight mission around the world and almost lost his bid for the achievement when he...

Jules often comes to Bill for words of wisdom but Bill flipped the script today to ask Jules for help on the rules of texting with the younger generations.  There is a lot of wisdom to glean from the Book of Proverbs. And there is just as much to glean from Gospel Friends.  Wisdom comes with age but is it wise to take a bite of a 77-year-old fruit cake?  Carmen's in need of a new Wordle word after she discovered that her starting word wouldn't get her a hole-in-one as it...

Carmen invested in a tool to help measure the humidity in a room as she has limits to what is comfortable in our new  building.  The people of New Mexico are being tested by flash flood waters.  Dave's got a new truck that he had delivered from Carvana. He's now got 7 days to put it to the test to make sure that's the vehicle he wants.  Bill is in agreement with an unpopular opinion to put certain limits on social media access.  If you need to put limits on scrolling,...

Bill picked up a new toy and may need a tin foil hat to go along with it. Carmen was on the fence about it but may need to pay a little more attention.  If you are traveling in the near future, no need to worry about taking off your shoes in line for TSA! And you may want to think about a travel backpack for those quick trips.  Dave's got a new band for you to check out...but they may not be as authentic and genuine as you think.  Bill has some thoughts from theologian...

As the tragic news unfolded over the weekend from the flash flooding in Texas, we saw a lot of good and bad happening. We spent some time throughout the morning sharing thoughts and prayers with those in Texas as they continue rescue efforts despite more bad weather in the forecast.  Dave spent much of his weekend watching coverage of the start of the Tour De France.  Bill and his wife decided to do an at-home workout and watched a YouTube video but Bill didn't tell Kimberly exactly...

As we get ready for Independence Day tomorrow, we talked the economy and some July 4th trivia. Dave then got our attention with a lesson on The Stamp Act and Bill tried to follow that up with a valiant attempt at keeping our attention.  As we prepare to move into our new space, some things require attention to detail and moving an inch at a time.  If Waffle House is part of your morning prep routine, you'll be happy to hear that the egg surcharge is no longer in place.  One...

After hearing about it on social media and others in her circle, Carmen was influenced to join Costco. But she had to wait until yesterday when the date was good and her hair was done.  You might be surprised to learn what country music artist Anne Wilson considers to be her musical influence.  Our Midweek Praise Break is designed to influence the middle of your workweek with a spiritual reset. Today's song choices included Christ Be Magnified, Promises and Trust In God.  If...

Jules heard the story of a man that tried to rescue his dog from a locked public bathroom and shared that she had a similar situation where she was held captive in a bathroom thanks to a faulty door.  And while she had a captive audience with Dave, Bill and Carmen, she pitched them on the idea of playing a version of kickball with a slip n' slide! We can only imagine how many people would end up getting hurt.  Speaking of being hurt, Dave is a litte sore this morning after putting...

If 2025 has felt like climbing a mountain to you, we can officially say that we have reached the peak today and it's all downhill from here! Starting with plans for July 4th this weekend!  Bill's neighbor, Steve, climbed the equivalent of Mount Everest this weekend at the 29029 Everesting event in Jackson Hole, Wyoming this weekend! And he did it with just 3 weeks of training.  Dave's been thinking about getting back on his bike and with the Tour De France starting this weekend,...

While Dave, Bill and Carmen were in Nashville, Brandon Heath's daughter, Palmer, caught their attention and wanted to share what she's been doing this summer.  If you want to turn your attention to the videos from our time at Brandon Heath's table, Bill tells you where you can find them .  Carmen's been having a hard time sleeping lately and it could be due to her tracking her sleep score.  The Oura Ring has caught the attention of Bill's wife as she has heard about it...

It's Thursday and we know we missed the Midweek Praise Break yesterday with all the special guests so we're gonna rename it today to the Midweek(ish) Praise Break.  Dave has started to watch Season 5 of The Chosen and you'll be surprised to hear the name of the character he's not liking much in these episodes.  Not to namedrop, but if you missed our chats yesterday with Brandon Heath, Tasha Layton and Blessing Offor, you can still access those conversations.  Carmen needed...

Today's episode of The Morning Cruise was a special edition as we sat down with longtime friend Brandon Heath, at his kitchen table. Tasha Layton and Blessing Offor also came by to chat as well.    00:32 5th visit with Brandon at his kitchen table  04:18 Summer Cruise Press Release  06:04 Highly Favored  09:54 Changes for Brandon since Summer Cruise  14:36 Tasha...

Sometimes we talk about things and don't realize just how much people are interested in it. That was the case when Bill shared some hacks for a blow dryer yesterday and one listener found themselves using the hack later in the day. In that case, it was to remove a sticker. And then we wondered about what product would remove the residue left behind by the sticker.  Dave's grandkids showed a lot of interest in a variety of toys while they stayed at his house. For a few of them, they had...

A few years back, Dave had the idea to buy his family some championship LSU shirts when they won a national championship. This weekend, that idea came back around as LSU won the College Baseball World Series.  The weather is generating strong storms in different parts of the country and a heat wave in others.  With hurricane season in full effect, Carmen is turning her attention to generators and wanted your ideas on which ones are best.  Bill shared a list of ideas to...

Hearing from people listening to The JOY FM through the app from around the world is very encouraging to us.  Dave shared some encouraging news from the medical world as a patient in Houston was the first to go heart surgery under the knife of a robot.  Carmen encouraged us all to take some time and encourage someone today. Bill shared a couple examples of encouragement which included a recent visit from an industry friend.  If you can pass the SRT tests for longevity,...

It's summertime and there is plenty of humidity in the air. Now there's a filter that can turn that humidity into drinking water. The herbs growing in Bill's home are getting plenty of water and the machine helping them grow is making plenty of noise as well.  While shopping online is convenient, there are plenty of fees that come along with that. Carmen was surprised to see a restocking fee when she tried to return one item.  Today is Juneteenth and Bill told us a little bit about...

Carmen encouraged us to spend at least 30 minutes in the Psalms to help find solace and calming of anxious thoughts. She also found a possible new Bible Study to do with her friends in the Fall.  Bill found a recipe for Cloud Coffee and wondered if it would be something that Dave and Carmen would try. While she thinks about that option, she has found a renewed interest in Matcha Tea.  Today is Bill's Birthday and Carmen wanted to know what he might tell his younger self. His answer:...

Can your coffee cup function as a vessel for a protein boost? A quick visit with friends can serve up some new ideas for breakfast.  When you've been hurt by the church, what is the function of the institution?  The institution of VBS functions as a summer activity in the minds of parents but also as a way for kids to hear the Gospel in a new way.  There is a lot of functions for ChatGPT. From playing chess, to getting to know you better and serving up vacation...

Dave and Bill shared some of the highlights from their Father's Day weekend as we started the show. Towards the end of last week, Dave, Bill and Carmen flew to Nashville to spend some time with a few artists. But there were some big flight delays for Carmen on the way there and Dave and Bill had a similar experience on the way back.  While in Nashville, Carmen went to the symphony with some friends and their daughters to hear cartoon theme songs performed by the orchestra.  Dave...

Sometimes you gotta take the good with the bad. Hitch could do nothing but laugh when he shared the story of his day that was filled with all sorts of challenges.  Carmen got some bad news as did many other listeners when an email came from Paige Brown letting everyone know that she will not be streaming her Bible Study session online. We're sure she's got a good reason.  Bill thinks he might have missed out on something good when he learned that a Dolly Parton-owned Pirate Dinner...

Bill is back after a getaway to visit family and celebrate his wedding anniversary with his bride, Kimberly. Bill revealed that he's got some family ties to Alabama and now Carmen's wondering if she and Bill are related!  Dave saw a Timehop from a visit to Universal Studios 15 years ago and thought that the new ride that they went on had made some revolutionary work in the special effects while they stood in line.  Our Midweek Praise Break today featured Blessed Assurance, Grace...

When Joel and Luke Smallbone came to town for a visit, Carmen made them all go to Dutch Bros for a taste test of their cold brew. She caught it all on video and now you can see what everyone thinks of her new favorite cold brew option.  You may enjoy some perks of being a Costco member but using your Costco ID with TSA won't fly anymore! Dave told us how some folks have tried to use that in place of the Real ID that is now required.  And speaking of Costco, Carmen is considering...

Dave spent some time getting back into a routine this weekend and also shared a story about and elephant that used his trunk to reach some fresh produce in a Thai grocery store.  How have you reached a certain without saying you're that old? Carmen has one answer for you.  As Dave spent time reaching for things around the house that his granddaughter left behind, he also spent some time celebrating LSU reaching the next round in the Men's College World Series. We also learned what...

A piece of movie memoribilia is missing and Dave's got a piece of memoribilia that he's not sure he wants to know about. Carmen is loving some historical fiction right now and looking for some new options. Dave's son mowed his yard for him but it's been awhile since he operated one that isn't a robot. Carmen's very happy with her new dishwasher.  Ever wondered how National Donut Day came to be? Dave gave us the history behind it and we got the details on a few deals from...

Bill is out on vacation today, which is much different than the usual vacation time that we take.  Dave's kids are all headed out and back to their respective homes.  When Carmen can take a break, she'll pull out her phone and play some of the games from The New York Times. She had never heard of the word in today's Wordle puzzle, but she did enjoy the mini crossword puzzle and thought Dave would enjoy it as well.  A tree in Dave's yard needed to be taken out after his...

If you are a recent college graduate, Carmen came across a very smart way to respond to a job rejection. As she was reading that list off, Bill noticed that Carmen got new glasses, which she only uses for reading.  Bill's got a summer read that isn't like most summer reads out there. And if you are interested in the history of paperbacks, leave it to our resident bookworm to make you feel smarter.  Jules sister had some time booked at the hospital for a surgical procedure while...

Bill is heading out of town soon and was looking for another family member to care for his houseplants but didn't get any volunteers.  Dave cares for anything to do with LSU and as they continue to advance in the College Baseball tournament, he is having to stay up late to watch their games.  As Christians, one way we can approach self-care and care for others is through grace. Carmen shared a few highlights from Pastor Aaron Burke on the gift of grace.  A bear seemingly...

Over the weekend, the Celebration of Life service was held for Dave's wife, Emilie. For that reason, Dave's house has been full of little ones with all his grandkids in town. There was also a very special moment in the service where a recording of Emilie singing was played along with the slideshow. That song came from her favorite Bible verse in Psalm 27.  With all the grandkids at his house, Dave has been getting time to play with all of them and his time with Emmie was a mix of chasing...

It appears that Carmen has a new find that she wanted to share with you...a "Zero Gravity Lounge Chair".  It appears that a beach vacation under Blue Spaces can be therapeutic.  You might be surprised at the countries that appear on a list of top international travel destinations.  Soon you'll be seeing Carmen's Summer Hat appearing all over the place as we get ready to send them out. But today is your last chance to register to win one!  The latest JOY Story appearing...

Noted agnostic, Joe Rogan, has been busy going to church lately, and Christian apologist, Wesley Huff, may have a lot to do with that. Carmen was busy reading through the New Testament. Now that she's finished with that, she'll be reading through the Gospels.  A lot of people are busy with moving to new states. Bill shared the top states that people are moving to. Mobile work may have a lot to do with that, but a good internet connection is vital.  The month of May may feel just...

We answered all the basic questions today on The Morning Cruise.    Who? Sports figures Tommy Tuberville and Lee Corso were topics of conversation as Tuberville has announced that he is running for Governor of Alabama. And Lee Corso will be appearing on his last episode of College GameDay later this year.  WHAT? Bill has been doing a lot of walking lately. And inspired by our past efforts with A Mile A Day In May, you'll never believe what...

We're back after celebrating Memorial Day and remembering those who we've said goodbye to as they lost their lives fighting for our freedom.  One man in Norway almost had an unusual knock on the door of his cabin from a ship that ran aground...again!  Carmen took the opportunity this weekend to see the new Dutch Bros location in Tampa. While she was there, she got introduced to the hazard button in her car.  Bill and family wanted to say hello to some friends but the beach...

Graduations are an important life milestone and many are graduating high school in our listening areas. Along with graduation, superlatives are often handed out. Dave told us how he got snubbed for "most talented".  Some were concerned when Apple TV got the rights to the Charlie Brown TV specials and thought it would die off. But there is new life to the franchise as there is a new special in the works.  Earlier this week, we learned of the passing of George Wendt, who played "Norm"...

Even though he won the PGA Championship over the weekend, it was Scottie Scheffler's 1-year-old son that caught the eyes of many this past Sunday.  While Dave was doing some work for Classic Joy, he saw that Kim Boyce had moved back to Florida recently so he spent some time chatting and catching up with her.  You might be surprised to see the results of a survey that looked at the top road trip arguments.  A story that caught Hitch's eye made its way to Carmen as it is...

If you are planning on being around a pool on your summer break, make sure all the kids have had swimming lessons, including the infants.  And if you can, take a break, and register to win one of Carmen's summer hats!  We took our Midweek Praise Break to share My Testimony, Christ Be Magnified, and Battle Belongs.  While taking a break from work yesterday, Dave was on Instagram catching up on all the activities of his grandkids, including catching lightning bugs.  Carmen...

There's a lot of trends we needed to talk about today. Not only is it Jayar's birthday and the officlal launch day of Tauren Wells new book, it's the launch of a trendy summer hat from Carmen.  Before we got to that though, Bill realized that he has some quirky rules set up for himself when it comes to reading.  Carmen is often seen as a trendsetter. She's also known for a particular phrase she uses almost daily. So we took that phrase and put it on a trendy new hat and made it...