Great Stories by Haven Today

They’ve been labeled snowflakes, anxious, and fragile—but Generation Z (ages 14–29) is asking deeper spiritual questions than many people realize. Beneath the stereotypes is a generation searching for truth, purpose, authenticity, and hope, and when they encounter the answers found in Christ, many are coming to faith in powerful ways. Gen Z expert Tanita Maddox joins David Wollen for a compelling conversation about what the church needs to understand about the next generation and the spiritual questions they are really asking. Listen to the new episode, “Tanita Maddox and What Gen Z Wants to Know About Faith,” on the Great Stories Podcast.

Cuba is facing a devastating season. Widespread blackouts, severe food shortages, and deep uncertainty have pushed millions to the brink — yet in the middle of the crisis, pastors across the island are witnessing something unexpected: renewed hope in Christ. Join David Wollen on a new episode of The Great Stories Podcast, “Danny Rojas on Why Hope Still Remains in Cuba,” as Danny shares firsthand updates from the frontlines of a special series called Crisis in Cuba.

Who can compare to our God? The answer is simple—no one. Yet God doesn’t leave us guessing. In Scripture, He makes Himself known, showing us both His nature and His character. Tune in as David Wollen is joined by special guests Marci Wollen and Jen Wilkin on The Great Stories Podcast for a new episode, Jen Wilkin and Understanding Who God Is Part 2.

Who is like our God? The answer is simple: no one. Yet God, in His grace, doesn’t leave us guessing. Throughout Scripture, He reveals not only who He is, but what He is like. Join David Wollen on The Great Stories Podcast with special guests Marci Wollen and Jen Wilkin for a new episode: Jen Wilkin and Understanding Who God Is.

How should Christians view AI in this day and age? For some, it’s just another tool. For others, it raises deeper questions—does it take away from what makes us human? This week on The Great Stories Podcast, David Wollen sits down with musician Randall Goodgame to explore faith, technology, and what it means to follow Christ in an AI-driven world in the new episode: Randall Goodgame and a Christian Perspective on AI.

Where did the greatest hymns originate? While we know they’re biblically grounded and theologically rich, they sprang from the hearts and minds of men and women who loved the Lord. This week on The Great Stories Podcast, join David Wollen and special guest Robert Morgan as they uncover these stories in the new episode, Robert Morgan and the Stories Behind the Hymns We Love.

Moses looms large in the Old Testament, but not because he was so impressive. His story begins with failure, and yet, by the end of this life, he would go on to become the greatest prophet of the Old Testament. On today's episode of the Great Stories podcast, David Wollen has a roundtable discussion with executive producer Troy Lamberth and Cuba broadcast host Danny Rojas about how this towering figure in Scripture provides a Gospel blueprint for the greater Moses—Jesus. After that, you'll hear a bonus interview with the director of the theatrical production of Moses: Sight & Sound, Chris Wert.

Even people who are unfamiliar with the Bible often recognize the story of the burning bush, the ten plagues, and the parting of the Red Sea. But beneath the surface, there is so much more to the story of Moses than meets the eye. On today's episode of the Great Stories podcast by Haven Today, David Wollen dives deep into the story of Moses with one of today's top evangelical scholars, Dr. Tremper Longman. Together, they discuss how the pattern of the exodus can be traced throughout the entire Bible—ultimately leading to Jesus. Not only will this conversation give you a greater appreciation for how Christ shows up in all of Scripture, but it will also show you how foundational the story of Moses is to salvation history. 

What does it take to be faithful with something of the highest importance? The Apostle Paul was clear: those entrusted must prove steadfast. Today, the stakes are even higher for anyone tasked with teaching God’s Word in an age of AI. Join David Wollen and special guest Kelly Kapic for a new episode of The Great Stories Podcast: Kelly Kapic and Authenticity in the Age of AI.

From the ABCs to 1-2-3, songs have always helped children learn and remember. When music is paired with Scripture, it helps God’s Word stay with them for a lifetime.This week on The Great Stories Podcast, David Wollen is joined by Randall Goodgame for a new episode titled Randall Goodgame and Teaching Kids the Bible Through Music.

For the Christian, the hope of heaven isn’t just a distant promise—it transforms the way we live right now. Scripture urges us to fix our hearts and minds on things above because eternity changes today. Join David Wollen and Matt McCullough for a new episode of the Great Stories Podcast called How Heaven Shapes Our Daily Lives.

What comes to mind when you think of heaven? Whether you realize it or not, your view of what is yet to come is shaping the way you live right now. This week on The Great Stories Podcast, David is joined by Matthew McCullough for a new series called Why Heaven Matters for Today — a conversation about how our future hope is meant to transform our present lives.

All over YouTube and TikTok, people are seen deconstructing their faith—questioning Scripture, redefining the Gospel, and reshaping Christianity to fit the culture. For many families, it’s not just online noise but a personal and painful reality. This week on The Great Stories Podcast, David Wollen talks with filmmaker Brandon Kimber in an episode titled “Brandon Kimber on Progressive Christianity.” Drawing from his documentary American Gospel: Christ Crucified, Kimber explains what’s at stake in the deconstruction movement and why the Gospel of Christ crucified remains our hope.

Charles Spurgeon is remembered as one of history’s greatest preachers, so influential he was called the Prince of Preachers and more than 130 years after his death, his sermons still strengthen millions. Yet behind his powerful ministry was a man who knew deep sorrow. Spurgeon spoke openly about what he called “melancholy” or “the minister’s fainting fits”—what we would likely call depression today. This week on The Great Stories Podcast, David Wollen revisits an interview with Charles Morris and Zack Eswine in an episode titled “Zack Eswine and the Sorrow of the Prince of Preachers,” where Eswine reflects on Spurgeon’s suffering and the sustaining grace of Christ that met him there, reminding us that even the strongest voices in church history knew weakness, and found their hope in the Savior.

He was known for his bold preaching and deep love for the Gospel, but Charles Spurgeon was also honest about his physical and emotional suffering. So how did he keep his eyes fixed on Jesus through it all? Join David Wollen on The Great Stories Podcast for a new episode with Dr. Geoffrey Chang called, Finding Comfort in Suffering.

It may be one of the most widespread heartaches among Christians today: a loved one, often a child, who has drifted away from Jesus. For many parents, this pain is difficult to talk about openly, which is why we’re bringing this conversation into the open on Haven Today. Join David Wollen and special guest Paul Mallard for an episode titled Loving Your Child When Faith Feels Distant on The Great Stories Podcast.

Most Christians would love to know more of God’s Word by heart, yet many believers aren’t sure how to go about it. The Bible itself shows us how people in biblical times memorized Scripture. Join David Wollen on The Great Stories Podcast with special guest Dr. Kenneth Berding for a new episode titled How to Memorize Scripture with Kenneth Berding.

Encountering Jesus in the Old Testament invites us to see how the Hebrew Scriptures consistently point to Christ. From promises and patterns to people and events, the story of Scripture leads us to Him long before His incarnation. Join David Wollen and respected Bible teacher Nancy Guthrie as they explore how Jesus is revealed across the Old Testament on this episode of The Great Stories Podcast: Encountering Jesus in the Old Testament with Nancy Guthrie.

What does it truly look like to encounter Jesus in the Old Testament? Do the books of the Hebrew Scriptures all, in some way, lead us to Him? Join David Wollen and acclaimed author Nancy Guthrie as they explore how Christ is revealed throughout Scripture long before His incarnation, on this episode of The Great Stories Podcast: "Discovering Jesus in the Old Testament with Nancy Guthrie."

"Amazing grace, how sweet the sound…” It’s the most recognized hymn in the world—but what makes grace so sweet? The man who wrote it knew, and he wasn’t exaggerating. John Newton was once a wretch, a slave trader, in fact, and yet God saved him. Join David Wollen with special guest Bruce Hindmarsh on The Great Stories Podcast for an episode titled: “Bruce Hindmarsh and the Story Behind Amazing Grace.”

God hasn’t forgotten you, even in the waiting... On this episode of the Great Stories Podcast, David Wollen sits down with Robert Morgan to talk about seasons of waiting, steady faith, and the assurance that God is always at work. Through stories of patience and promise, they remind us that no matter our age or circumstances, God has never forgotten His people.

Adapting a beloved book into a movie is always a challenge—especially when the story carries such a heartfelt message. This week on Haven Today, David Wollen sits down with Ryan Swanson to discuss bringing The Best Christmas Pageant Ever from page to screen, and how viewers can discover the true Christmas story amidst the chaos. Don’t miss this episode: From Chaos to Christmas: Ryan Swanson on The Best Christmas Pageant Ever.

From the archives: Charles Morris (Haven’s former president) in conversation with Jubilant Sykes. After the heartbreaking news of his passing this week, we’re honored to share this interview again, a chance to remember not just his extraordinary voice, but the faith and warmth that defined him.