CHRISTOPHER closeup PODCASTS
Christopher Closeup encourages people of all ages and from all walks of life to use their God-given talents to make a positive difference in the world. The weekly half-hour series regularly introduces listeners to individuals - some famous, some not so famous - who are using their gifts, talents, and abilities to create a better world.
You can find all of our podcasts on the following platforms:
Kristin Chenoweth
Kristin Chenoweth – the Tony, Emmy, and Grammy Award-winning singer and actress discusses her new album “Happiness is…Christmas,” the joys and losses that inspired her choice of songs on the album, how she keeps Christ a part of the season, and why she teaches young people pursuing careers in the entertainment industry that learning from your failures is just as important as embracing your successes.
Dolly Parton
Dolly Parton – the country music legend discusses Christmas growing up in the Smoky Mountains, why she feels her Christian faith is deeply embedded in her spirit, and why she considers God her "co-writer" on all her songs and her "co-pilot" in life.
Jeannie Gaffigan
Jeannie Gaffigan – the wife and writing partner of comedian Jim Gaffigan discusses her new memoir “When Life Gives You Pears,” the pear-sized brain tumor that upended her life, how the Catholic faith in which she was raised became a powerful force in her life, and why she believes that God gave her some new commandments to follow after she survived her ordeal.
Harry Connick Jr
Harry Connick Jr. - is a man who’s always on the go, be it as a singer, musician, composer, actor on stage or screen, host of a Youtube show, or humanitarian. He believes he gets his drive from his father who, at age 95, is working on building a chapel dedicated to the Holy Spirit.
Patricia Heaton
Patricia Heaton – the Emmy Award-winning actress (“Everybody Loves Raymond,” “The Middle”) and author of “Your Second Act” discusses surrendering to God’s will and redirecting your life after unexpected challenges occur, how sacrificial living can redeem suffering, and what traveling the world on behalf of the anti-poverty organization World Vision has taught her about life and faith.
Adrienne Bankert
Adrienne Bankert – the ABC News correspondent and author of “Your Hidden Superpower: The Kindness That Makes You Unbeatable at Work and Connects You With Anyone” discusses how kindness has been the key factor in her personal and professional success – and how all of us can more intentionally practice kindness in our own lives.
Ashley Eckstein
Ashley Eckstein – the voice of Jedi-in-training Ahsoka Tano in the animated “Star Wars” series “The Clone Wars” and “Rebels” discusses her faith, what it’s like portraying a character who is a role model to many, her dedication to removing the stigma from mental health challenges, and why she is so committed to promoting kindness after being cyberbullied several years ago.
Bonnie Hunt
Bonnie Hunt, Part 1– the actress—known for films including “Cheaper by the Dozen,” “Jumanji,” and “Return to Me” —discusses her life growing up in a large Catholic family in Chicago, why she pursued a career as a nurse, the devastation she felt after her father’s sudden death at age 50, and why she interpreted an unexpected encounter with a patient she was caring for as a sign from her father in heaven.
Bonnie Hunt, Part 2– the actress, writer and producer recalls her award-winning film “Return to Me,” her friendship with actor Carroll O’Connor who starred in that movie, and the selflessness she learned from her mom Alice, which continues to inspire her.
Gary Sinise
Gary Sinise – the acclaimed actor and humanitarian discusses his memoir “Grateful American,” his dedication to helping disabled veterans and first responders, his conversion to the Catholic faith, and the gratitude that motivates his life and charity work.
Spencer Christian
Spencer Christian – the former weatherperson and anchor of “Good Morning America” discusses the gambling addiction that almost ruined his life, the ways in which God helped him to overcome it, and the reasons he grew up an optimistic and hopeful person despite experiencing racism in the Jim Crow-era South of his youth.