The Prodigal Stories Podcast: Recent Episodes
Faithwire
The Prodigal Stories Podcast is a show where journalists Tré Goins-Phillips and Billy Hallowell sit down with newsmakers, pastors, authors, and celebrities to take you into some of the most powerful stories — accounts of hope, transformation, and intrigue. From faith and prayer to stories of overcoming the odds, The Prodigal Stories Podcast will get you thinking deeper about the things in life that truly matter.
Gloria Gaynor, known for her hit song "I Will Survive," opens up about the miraculous moment God saved her from a life of sin during a hotel party. She also talks about what it means to hear and listen to God when He speaks and discusses her new Pure Flix Christmas movie, "The Thursday Night Club," now streaming on the faith-based platform.
The film tells the story of a group of friends who perform charitable acts for others in hopes of restoring the joy of one woman who suffers incredible loss at Christmastime. Gaynor plays a doctor in the movie.
Singer-songwriter Tasha Layton is transparent about her journey through depression — including her suicide attempt — and how the Lord has redeemed her life. She also talks about her time touring with Katy Perry and how it led her to become a solo Christian artist.
Robert Borelli lived a life of crime. Involved with the mob in New York City, he spent most of his life in and out of prison, was involved in drugs, and concealed crimes. That all came to a head one day when he cried out to God with an ultimatum.
"I said, 'You better have somebody kill me or change me,'" he told "The Prodigal Stories Podcast." "I was crying like a little baby. I can't live with this pain anymore. It broke my heart, just shattered my heart in pieces."
Legendary TV host Kathie Lee Gifford reveals how she came to Christ as a young girl, how she navigated public controversies and personal woes — and why she's committing her life to Jesus after retiring from full-time TV. With a new Bible-themed book and film coming out, she's busier than ever. Here's Kathie Lee's incredible story.
Recording artist Steven Curtis Chapman opens up about losing his daughter Maria Sue in a tragic accident 14 years ago, chronicling his family's journey through grief and sorrow, detailing the ways it transformed his faith and relationships. He also talks with us about his career, new music, and his surprising role in an animated Disney Plus movie.
Alexa PenaVega grew up in a home where she learned about Jesus — but didn't fully know who He was or what the Bible really said. Then, she entered Hollywood and found great success. It was in Tinseltown where she was faced with a choice: follow her own whims or fully embrace God. Listen to her share her incredible journey as well as her new book, "What If Love Is the Point?: Living for Jesus in a Self-Consumed World."
Dylan Novak, a youth pastor in Tennessee known online as "The Celebrity Evangelist," opens up about his unique ministry of sharing the Gospel with famous people around the country, ranging from Hollywood icons like Tom Cruise and Billy Bob Thornton to music stars like James Taylor and Gene Simmons. He takes us behind the scenes of what it's like preparing and ultimately witnessing to some of the biggest names in entertainment.
Marcus Pittman is the CEO of LOOR, a platform that is "fighting the culture with great storytelling." The unique streaming platform seeks to help filmmakers create "without the restrictive woke agenda."
It's a fascinating new project that offers a fresh and unique way to present content. Listen to Pittman share his story, why he created LOOR, and his plans for transforming faith-based entertainment.
Helen Smallbone, the mother of for KING & COUNTRY stars Joel and Luke Smallbone and mother to singer Rebecca St. James, shares her family's incredible overcomer story. After coming to America with absolutely nothing, God redeemed their story and catapulted the family onto the national and international stage.
Listen to Helen's incredible story about trusting in God's will — and her message for everyone else. Plus, hear her discuss her new book, Behind the Lights: The Extraordinary Adventure of a Mum and Her Family.
James Coates, pastor of GraceLife Church in Alberta, Canada, opens up about spending more than a month in jail for holding church services in violation of the government's COVID restrictions. He shares how his faith was challenged, his marriage strengthened, and his life changed over the last two years.
Singer Anne Wilson's story is incredible. The singer, who is topping Billboard charts and receiving award nominations, had never performed in front of anyone before her brother's funeral a few years back. That tragic event ended up becoming a turning point for Anne, catapulting her on a powerful journey.
Listen to her share her incredible story, including the many ways God turned tragedy into triumph.
Duane Chapman, more commonly known as Dog the Bounty Hunter, achieved fame when his fascinating career chasing down criminals was captured on reality television.
Chapman, star of "Dog the Bounty Hunter" from 2003 through 2012, is known for being tough and gruff, but he's also a devout Christian who came to grips with his faith after spending time in prison in the 1970s.
Chapman recently told "The Prodigal Stories Podcast" his spiritual roots run deep.
Dr. Tony Evans, the senior pastor at Oak Cliff Bible Fellowship in Dallas, Texas, believes "there needs to be an awakening" within the Christian church amid seething division and vitriol.
The failure of the church to lead the way on conversations surrounding issues like race has, according to Evans, led to social and cultural disarray.
"The division is so palpable, the vitriol is so visible and, because I believe that God won't skip the church house to fix the white house, there needs to be an awakening of the church to the biblical principles of unity," Evans told "The Prodigal Stories Podcast." "It is critical to seeing God move not only in our midst but through us into the culture."
Listen to Evans discuss biblical unity and the church's role in cultural chaos.
T.C. Stallings, a football player turned movie star, talks about his latest film, “No Vacancy,” opens up about how he became a Christian, and shares why he is so committed to being an ambassador for Christ in Hollywood.
Laura Beth Perry lived for years as a transgender man until she discovered Christ, dove into scripture, and experienced true heart transformation. Laura has shared her story around America — a voyage of pain, confusion, frustration, discovering the Gospel, and encountering true healing. From unpacking the "lies" she was told to uncovering the truth, Laura shares her journey of hope.
Vanessa Morris, an anti-sex-trafficking expert and the communications director for the nonprofit advocacy group The Foundation United, chronicles her life story. She shares her journey from prostitute’s daughter to preachers’ kid and the miraculous ways in which Jesus intervened in her and her mother’s life, ultimately leading them both to salvation.
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