PODCAST · religion
CIA: Contagious Influencers of America
by Contagious, Inc.
CIA: The Contagious Influencers of America Podcast. Meet the Gamechangers, the Influencers and those who are not afraid to show up with a shovel if that's what it takes to move a mountain. Go inside the minds of true American trailblazers who are making a difference by sharing their stories of personal triumph, overcoming obstacles, defeating fear, fighting addiction, and rejecting failure. Hosted by 9-time Emmy winner David Sams.
Episodes
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Chonda Pierce: The Raw Pain Behind the Punchlines
Chonda Pierce has made a career out of turning heartache into laughter, but this time she's telling the parts of the story that were never funny. Nine-time Emmy winner David Sams sits down with the award-winning comedian, TV host, and actress for a candid conversation about the pain behind the...
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Born Without Limbs. Built Without Limits. | Nick Vujicic Interview
What does it look like to have every excuse to give up — and refuse every single one? Nick Vujicic was born without arms or legs, and has spent his life proving that the limits everyone expects don't have to be the ones you live by. Nine-time Emmy winner David Sams sits down with Nick for a...
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# 288: A $500 Speeding Ticket in Reagan's Hometown Sets a Movie in Motion Igniting a Hollywood Story
Producer Mark Joseph joins host David Sams to talk about the theatrical re-release of Reagan, arriving in theaters September 25 as part of America's 250th anniversary celebrations. Joseph shares the story behind the director's cut — ten additional minutes restored, including an opening line about...
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"Reagan" Returns: Dennis Quaid on Faith, Perseverance & the Man Behind the Presidency
The life of Ronald Reagan proves that setbacks are just the setup for what comes next. Now, the film "Reagan" is returning for a limited run on September 25 as a Director's Cut with 10 minutes of never-before-seen footage, timed to America's 250th anniversary. Dennis Quaid stars as the 40th...
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# 287: There's No One More Free Than a Canceled Person - Tullian Tchividjian's Story
What happens when the church you built your whole identity around cancels you overnight — and you come out the other side more honest, more grounded, and more free than you've ever been? In this episode, host David Sams sits down with pastor, author, and grandson of Billy Graham, Tullian...
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Danny Gokey Gets Real: Loss, Faith & Fighting for Others
American Idol Top 3 finalist and three-time Grammy nominee Danny Gokey joins nine-time Emmy winner David Sams back at the Contagious Influencers of America studio for a heart-to-heart that goes far beyond the music. Recorded just ahead of the release of his album "Sound of Heaven," Danny dives…
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# 286: He Survived Iraq. Now He's Warning Us About AI | Ben Peterson
David Sams sits down with Army veteran and Engage Your Destiny founder Ben Peterson for a conversation that moves from the battlefields of Iraq to the front lines of the AI revolution. Ben opens up about the darkest chapter of his life serving as a Chaplain's Assistant — losing seven...
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From Sleeping on a Couch to 7-Figures: PATRICE WASHINGTON's Real Story on Loss, Faith & Comeback
Long before she became known as "America's Money Maven," Patrice Washington was a 25-year-old real estate broker with a seven-figure business, matching Range Rovers, and an 800 credit score — and then the 2008 recession took it all. She went from that seven-figure business to sleeping on a family...
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How Does Trauma Turn Into Trust? LISA HARPER Tells Her Story
What if the Bible isn't a rulebook, but a love story? Bestselling author, Bible teacher, and self-described "hot mess" Lisa Harper joins host David Sams on this episode of Contagious Influencers of America — and she comes bearing her battered, sticky-note-covered "ADD Bible," full of margin notes...
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What If Your Dream Isn't Dead - Just Delayed? (HOPE DARST)
Feeling like your window of opportunity has passed? Let Hope Darst's story be your encouragement to never give up. Hope signed her first record deal at 39, after two decades as a wife, mom, and worship leader at her church in Nashville. In this candid conversation with host David Sams, Hope…
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AMY GRANT: Blended Family, Faith, and the Day She Mentored Lauren Daigle
The "Queen of Christian Pop" AMY GRANT is so transparent you'll want to kick back, lean in and listen as she talks about life, love, overcoming obstacles and her blended family with Vince Gill like never before. She even gets choked up so bring tissues! Plus, we went back a decade into our…
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He Lost His Father at 12 and Grew Up on Welfare. HAL DONALDSON Now Runs One of America's Biggest Charities.
When disaster strikes without warning, hope has to show up fast — and for millions around the world, it arrives on a Convoy of Hope truck. Convoy of Hope is a global, faith-based, nonprofit organization that delivers emergency relief to communities devastated by disaster. Right now, their teams…
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'I JUST MET MY HUSBAND': Bachelor Star Madi Prewett Troutt — First Date to Wife & Mom
She went looking for love on national television — and found it in the last place she expected. Best-selling author Madison Prewett Troutt first captured hearts as a finalist on Season 24 of ABC's The Bachelor, but her real love story started with a blind date she almost turned down. In this…
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Celebrating America's 250th Birthday with LEE GREENWOOD — The Story of God Bless The U.S.A.
Is there anything more synonymous with patriotic pride than "God Bless The U.S.A."? As we celebrate Independence Day and the 250th birthday of our nation, we're bringing back this fan favorite — originally released on Veterans Day 2022 — because Lee Greenwood and this song belong on every…
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She Buried a Hero — Now 'American Sniper' Widow TAYA KYLE Reminds America What We're Celebrating
As America celebrates her 250th birthday, there is no more fitting time to revisit this powerful conversation with one of the most courageous women connected to our nation's legacy of service and sacrifice. Taya Kyle was thrust into the national spotlight when her husband, Chris Kyle, became one…
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No Dad is Too Far Gone: MISS KAY & KORIE ROBERTSON on Phil's Radical Redemption and Legacy
There's no story quite like a redemption story—and the truth is, no father is ever too far gone for a second chance. In honor of Father's Day, we are opening the archives for a special Encore presentation celebrating the legacy of a true family patriarch, Phil Robertson, who passed away last…
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GRANGER SMITH: Fame, Faith & a Father's Grief - This One's for the Dads
What do you do when the worst thing imaginable happens — and you're left questioning everything you thought you believed? This week we're bringing back one of our most powerful conversations ever, and it hits even harder now. Nine-time Emmy winner David Sams sat down with Granger Smith —...
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BEN FULLER: Sobriety, the Opry, & Prequel to the Ring
Before the engagement and the sold-out shows, there was the struggle. In this Encore! episode of Contagious Influencers of America podcast, Ben Fuller gets incredibly raw with host David Sams about a season many of us know all too well: being single, staying sober, and searching for "the one."...
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# 285: TIM STOREY says Detours Aren't the End — They're God's Road to Your Destiny
What if the detour isn't the end of the road—but the very path God uses to get you where you're meant to go? In this uplifting episode of Contagious Influencers of America, nine-time Emmy winner David Sams sits down with renowned author, speaker, and "Life Coach to the Stars," Tim Storey, for a...
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# 284: TIM TIMMONS defies a 5-year cancer prognosis, and his story is told in "I CAN ONLY IMAGINE 2" in theaters Friday!
What do you do when doctors give you five years to live… and you're still here more than twenty years later? In this moving episode of Contagious Influencers of America, nine-time Emmy winner David Sams interviews singer-songwriter and worship leader Tim Timmons. Diagnosed with incurable cancer…
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# 283: COLTON DIXON From Anxiety to Authenticity and How AI Is Impacting Music
What happens when a hitmaker hits a breaking point? In this revealing episode of Contagious Influencers of America, nine-time Emmy winner David Sams sits down with Gold-certified, award-winning singer-songwriter Colton Dixon—an artist who has spent his career using music to connect hearts, lift...
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# 282: MARQ JAMES of Medi-Share on Cutting Costs, Finding Hope: A Faith-Filled Approach to Today's Healthcare Crisis
What if the rising cost of health insurance isn't your only option and you could save hundreds every month with an alternative? In this powerful and timely episode, nine-time Emmy winner David Sams sits down with longtime friend of KeepTheFaith, Marq James, Chief Marketing Officer of…
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# 281: TASHA LAYTON on Finding God's Light in the Valley, Her New Album and Christmas Music Too!
What if the darkest valley of your life became the very place God met you face-to-face? In this powerful and deeply personal episode of Contagious Influencers of America, chart-topping Christian artist Tasha Layton pulls back the curtain on the pain, healing, faith, and redemption that shaped her...
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# 280: TRANS-SIBERIAN ORCHESTRA'S AL PITRELLI shares about the lights, legacy and music that makes the season bright!
Every holiday season, Trans-Siberian Orchestra electrifies audiences with a symphony of rock, lights, and storytelling unlike anything else on earth. Nine-time Emmy winner David Sams sits down with Al Pitrelli—TSO's lead guitarist, musical director, and founding member—to reveal the heart…
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# 279: BEN FULLER is an open book about his addictive past, tattoos and remarkable road to redemption
From a small-town Vermont dairy farm to the stage of the Grand Ole Opry, Christian artist Ben Fuller has walked through fire—and come out transformed. In this powerful episode nine-time Emmy winner David Sams sits down with Ben to talk about addiction, redemption, and the relentless grace of God....
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# 278: MEGAN WOODS on battling her insecurities, bullying and depression to finding The Truth
If you've ever struggled with believing you're enough—or wondered how to face the lies that spin in your head about who you are—this episode will remind you of one unshakable truth: you are a child of God. In this compelling episode with nine-time Emmy winner David Sams, rising artist Megan Woods...
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# 277: TOM KERBER, shares about the healing power of Red Light therapy and how SunPowerLED is transforming health
What if the key to healing pain, boosting brain health, and even reducing inflammation was as simple as light? In this groundbreaking episode, nine-time Emmy winner David Sams sits down with inventor Tom Kerber to explore the science and miracles behind SunPowerLED's red light therapy. From...
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# 276: JOHN O'LEARY & JOEL COURTNEY on Faith, Survival, and "Soul on Fire"
This is a story of hope, faith, and purpose you'll never forget. Actor Joel Courtney and inspirational speaker John O'Leary connect with nine-time Emmy winner David Sams to share the real-life miracle behind the upcoming film Soul on Fire, a powerful true story of survival and redemption hitting...
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# 275: STEVE BROWN and his iconic voice that doesn't shy away from controversy or radical grace!
Pastor, author, and legendary storyteller Steve Brown joins nine-time Emmy winner David Sams for a powerful conversation about faith, grace, and the art of sharing your story. From his early days in commercial radio to miraculous moments of healing, Steve reflects on the experiences that shaped…
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# 274: NICOLE C. MULLEN from overcoming abuse to finding redemption and choosing what's right
You've faced the kind of pain that should have destroyed you—abuse, betrayal, shattered relationships. But with faith, even the darkest nights can lead to songs of redemption. In this episode of Contagious Influencers of America, you'll hear the powerful journey of Nicole C. Mullen—the...
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# 273 : WINK MARTINDALE - Stories from an iconic TV and radio career. A legend we will dearly miss and never forget..
Wink Martindale, the legendary radio and television icon, died in Rancho Mirage, California on Tuesday, April 15, 2025, at the age of 91. The king of game shows who was perhaps best known for hosting the beloved Tic-Tac-Dough and Gambit, had a remarkable 74-year career. He was surrounded by…
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# 272: JON ERWIN - Facing Giants With a Bold New Take on the Epic Story of David
The epic tale of David and Goliath has inspired generations—but what if you could experience it like never before? Award-winning filmmaker Jon Erwin (Jesus Revolution, I Can Only Imagine) is bringing this legendary story to life in House of David, a groundbreaking new TV series streaming…
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# 271: DEMI-LEIGH TEBOW goes beyond the Miss Universe crown and talks about family, fear and faith!
Where do you place your value? Demi-Leigh Tebow has learned her identity is much more than her Miss Universe crown. In this episode, nine-time Emmy winner David Sams chats with Demi about her book "A Crown That Lasts" and the inspiration behind it. Demi, who's the wife of former NFL quarterback…
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# 270: MARK BATTERSON inspires us by reminding us of the millions of miracles God performs every day
It was Einstein who said: "There are only two ways to live your life. One is as though nothing is a miracle. The other is as though everything is a miracle." In this engaging conversation, nine-time Emmy winner David Sams and New York Times bestselling author Pastor Mark Batterson explore the...
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# 269: TIM STOREY is here to help ignite your miracle mentality for 2025!
What better time than now to ignite your comeback with the original comeback coach, Tim Storey, life coach to the stars! In this special episode, nine-time Emmy winner David Sams catches up with his good friend to discuss personal growth, overcoming obstacles, and unlocking your hidden potential...
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#268: CHRIS MACCHIO is America's tenor with a golden-era voice uniting people across the globe from the White House balcony & Butler, PA
He's most recently known for his performance of "God Bless America" at the Butler, Pennsylvania Trump Rally, and now he'll be performing again this time as President Donald Trump is sworn in as the 47th President of the United States. Nine-time Emmy winner David Sams gets to sit down with...
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# 267: BRANT HANSEN is starting out the New Year with a message of joy and healthy mindset to combat stress!
Regardless of how stressed and anxiety-ridden you entered 2025, it's possible to live joyfully and without worry. Radio host and podcaster Brant Hansen shares the message of taking Jesus seriously in all of life and in turn finding a sense of peace amongst the chaos. In this engaging…
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# 266: WNBA star MAYA MOORE IRONS and her husband JONATHAN IRONS share their journey to justice through unwavering faith
Would you give up everything you've worked for your entire life in the name of justice? Maya Moore Irons is a two-time NCAA champion, two-time Olympic gold medalist, four-time WNBA champion, and WNBA MVP. But Maya put that all aside in 2019 to focus on exonerating her now husband, Jonathan Irons,...
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# 265: GRANGER SMITH takes a detour from life as a decorated musician to pursue life in ministry
Farewell to country music, guilt, and pain. Granger Smith now has newfound purpose. After 24 years touring as an award-winning, platinum-selling, country music singer-songwriter, Smith chose to leave the music business to pursue a future in ministry. Nine-time Emmy winner David Sams sits down…
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# 264: VAN ZANT, the iconic Southern Rock duo reunite to release their first ever Jesus album and talk about family, faith & legacy
Iconic Southern Rock brothers Donnie and Johnny Van Zant reunite as VAN ZANT to release their first ever Christian album sharing about their faith that has been a constant thread throughout their lives. Collectively they have sold over 50 million records, from Johnny's work as the lead vocalist…
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# 263: WE ARE MESSENGERS front-man Darren Mulligan shares the joyful hope of Christmas with an Irish twist
Nollaig Shona Duit! Merry Christmas! We Are Messengers are celebrating this holiday season in an authentic Irish way. They have had 11 consecutive top 10 radio singles including the multi chart #1 hit song "Come What May" and the Gold certified "Maybe Its OK'. Now their new EP "Rejoice! A Celtic...
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# 262: for KING + COUNTRY's Christmas Celebration: Music, Memories, a New Film, Tour, and Heartfelt Holiday Stories!
It's the biggest Christmas celebration for this quadruple GRAMMY-winning Christian pop duo yet! For KING + COUNTRY is not only touring the month of December and releasing a new "Drummer Boy Christmas Live" album this week, but they are also taking their tour to the big screen offering a cinematic...
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# 261: TRANS-SIBERIAN ORCHESTRA's lead guitarist AL PITRELLI on how explosives, rock, and tradition make Christmas merry!
Silent night? Not with this band! The Trans-Siberian Orchestra's music is a staple over the holiday season and you can experience it all during their 2024 winter tour. The Trans-Siberian Orchestra (TSO) is one of the world's top touring artists of the past decade and has sold over 12 million...
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# 260: HANNAH KERR's angelic voice shares about overcoming anxiety through song and the gift of faith at Christmas
Hannah Kerr, a Curb recording artist and gifted songwriter with over 146 million career streams, is known for her chart-topping hit "Warrior." Yet, like many young adults today, she battles one of the most common challenges of our time: anxiety. In a heartfelt conversation with nine-time Emmy...
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# 259: DALLAS JENKINS directs his next project where chaos meets Christmas on its way to becoming a classic
Silent night - hold on tight! Imagine this: "the worst kids in the history of the world" crashing your town's Christmas pageant? Would you turn them away, or show them the true spirit of Christmas? That's the heart of the new film, "The Best Christmas Pageant Ever," directed by Dallas Jenkins…
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# 258: STEPHEN ARTERBURN shines help and hope into life's hardest places amidst today's culture wars
Want to love your neighbor, but also stand firm in your convictions? Stephen Arterburn says both are achievable, even in today's social climate. Stephen is the founder and chairman of New Life Ministries and host of the syndicated Christian counseling talk show "New Life Live!" He's also a…
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# 257: HAL DONALDSON founded CONVOY of HOPE and brings disaster relief to victims of the devastating hurricanes and more
If you were left with no power, no food, and water intruding on your home, who would you turn to for help? Convoy of Hope is a global, faith-based, nonprofit organization that delivers emergency relief to communities affected by disasters like the Hurricanes Milton and Helene that have hit the...
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# 256: ERIC CLOSE makes a stand by taking a knee in his latest role as "AVERAGE JOE"
He stood for the rights of every American by taking a knee. Actor Eric Close (Nashville, Without A Trace) is starring in the movie "Average Joe" that's based off the true story of coach Joe Kennedy. Coach Kennedy, a Marine, was fired as a high school football coach for praying after football…
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# 255: Coach JOE KENNEDY champions religious freedom in a battle from the 50-yard line
Joe Kennedy wants you to stand up, or kneel down rather, for what you believe in! Joe was a high school football coach who was under fire for taking a knee in prayer after games. Eventually he was fired, launching a seven-year legal battle for religious freedom that went to the Supreme Court....
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# 254: KEVIN DOWNES and BRANDON GREGORY bring a rush of hope to theaters with their new film "White Bird" on October 4
There's no better time than now for a message of spreading kindness! Nine-time Emmy winner David Sams speaks with CEO Kevin Downes and President and COO Brandon Gregory from Kingdom Story Company about their upcoming film "White Bird," the importance of kindness, and the unique approach they take...
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ABOUT THIS SHOW
CIA: The Contagious Influencers of America Podcast. Meet the Gamechangers, the Influencers and those who are not afraid to show up with a shovel if that's what it takes to move a mountain. Go inside the minds of true American trailblazers who are making a difference by sharing their stories of personal triumph, overcoming obstacles, defeating fear, fighting addiction, and rejecting failure. Hosted by 9-time Emmy winner David Sams.
HOSTED BY
Contagious, Inc.
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Frequently Asked Questions
How many episodes does CIA: Contagious Influencers of America have?
CIA: Contagious Influencers of America currently has 100 episodes available on PodParley. New episodes are automatically indexed when they're published to the podcast feed.
What is CIA: Contagious Influencers of America about?
CIA: The Contagious Influencers of America Podcast. Meet the Gamechangers, the Influencers and those who are not afraid to show up with a shovel if that's what it takes to move a mountain. Go inside the minds of true American trailblazers who are making a difference by sharing their stories of...
How often does CIA: Contagious Influencers of America release new episodes?
CIA: Contagious Influencers of America has 100 episodes. Check the episode list to see recent publication dates and frequency.
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You can listen to CIA: Contagious Influencers of America on PodParley by clicking any episode. We provide an embedded audio player for direct listening, and you can also subscribe via your preferred podcast app using the RSS feed.
Who hosts CIA: Contagious Influencers of America?
CIA: Contagious Influencers of America is created and hosted by Contagious, Inc..
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