CHRISTOPHER closeup PODCASTS
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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.
PJ Anderson
PJ Anderson - the singer-songwriter discusses his album “Light + Dark,” the reasons its songs can remind listeners of God’s hope and love during troubling times, and the ways in which he encourages young people in their faith at Catholic youth retreats.
David Archuleta - The American Idol runner-up and award-winning recording artist discusses the inspiration behind his Christmas album, his efforts to help the less fortunate and why he thinks the challenges he’s faced have made him a better person.
Tom O'Rourke - The lead instructor of the Christopher Leadership Course shares an original Christmas story he wrote that looks at the Nativity from Joseph’s point-of-view.
Father Catoir
Father John Catoir – the former Director of The Christophers discusses the roots of his passion for the Christopher message, the reasons he emphasizes the supernatural power of joy in his ministry, and his insights on overcoming fear and doubt in your life.
Jason Castro
Jason Castro - the singer/songwriter from Season 7 of “American Idol” shares his passion for living out his faith through action and reveals the reasons he focused on Christian themes with his new album “Who I Am.”
Kristy Lee Cook
The former American Idol finalist discusses her new album, the Christian faith that’s been her rock during difficult times, and the foundation she created to rescue abused and neglected horses.
Colton Dixon
Colton Dixon - the singer/songwriter from “American Idol” discusses his new career in the Christian music industry, the difference that Christ has made in his life, and how he dealt with the situation of being told he was too overt about his religious beliefs during his time on TV.
John Dickerson
John Dickerson – the CBS News journalist discusses his book “Whistlestop: My Favorite Stories from Presidential
Campaign History,” how modern divisiveness in campaigning has its roots in the past, what role God and religion have played in elections historically, and how his own Catholic faith influences him as a journalist and family man.
Emilio Estevez – the writer, director and producer of the Christopher Award-winning movie “The Way” discusses the film’s themes of God, faith and community.
Maura Byrne, Part 1 – the founder of “Made In His Image” reveals the personal experiences that led her to create a ministry for teens and young women who are victims of abuse and eating disorders.
Marcy Houle
Marcy Cottrell Houle – the Christopher Award-winning co-author of “The Gift of Caring” discusses the challenges her parents faced navigating the modern healthcare system when they were seriously ill, how her strong and devoted advocacy for them saved their lives, and why she believes we need to be reminded of the God-given dignity of the elderly, regardless of their medical problems.
Taya Kyle
Taya Kyle – the widow of “American Sniper” Chris Kyle and author of the memoir “American Wife” discusses her years of marriage to Chris, the joys and challenges they experienced as a couple, the role her Christian faith plays in helping her deal with his murder, and the way she is keeping his legacy alive by helping other military families.
Sam Haskell
Sam Haskell – the Christopher Award-winning executive producer of the movie “Dolly Parton’s Coat of Many Colors” shares behind-the-scenes details about the faith-based piece of family entertainment. He also discusses the ways in which he became one of the most powerful men in Hollywood while still holding onto the faith and values that he learned from his mother.
Mandisa
Mandisa – the Grammy-nominated pop and gospel singer discusses her new album “What if We Were Real,” the challenge of trusting God in difficult times, and the achievement of losing 100 pounds after a long-running battle with being overweight."
George Martin
The former defensive end for the New York Giants calls in from his walk across the United States, which is raising money for the medical costs of 9/11 responders.
Jennifer Nettles
Jennifer Nettles – the country music superstar discusses her role as Dolly Parton’s mom in the TV movie “Christmas of Many Colors,” why she thinks the spiritual aspects of the story resonated with millions of viewers, the Christian faith that she herself brings to her life and work, and her efforts to always listen for God’s “still small voice.”
David Oyelowo
David Oyelowo – the actor, known for his star-making role as Rev. Martin Luther King Jr. in the film “Selma,” discusses his latest movie “Captive,” the way his Christian faith influences his acting roles, and the reason he believes in the “perpetually redemptive” grace of God.
Phil Stacey
The former American Idol finalist shares some of his behind-the-scenes experiences with the show, and discusses how his family, faith and Naval career have shaped him as a person.
Jake Tapper
Jake Tapper – the CNN anchor and Washington correspondent discusses his book “The Outpost: An Untold Story of American Valor,” which shares the story of the U.S. troops who fought and, in some cases, died in a remote location of Afghanistan while trying to befriend the locals and stop terrorists.
Laura Wilkinson
The Olympic gold medalist reveals how her faith helped guide her through the victories and disappointments of her platform diving career, and discusses her efforts to help young athletes achieve their dreams.
Martha Williamson
Martha Williamson – the writer and executive producer of “Touched By an Angel” discusses her new Hallmark Channel series “Signed, Sealed, Delivered,” why the main character is partially based on her father, and why it’s important that television feature stories grounded in faith, hope and love.
Ben Walther
Ben Walther – the singer-songwriter and worship leader reveals how a battle with depression led him to a stronger relationship with Jesus, why he believes teenagers are searching for substance in their faith lives, and the spiritual insights that inspired his album “Make Your Home in Me.”
Lisa Whelchel
Lisa Whelchel– the author and actress who played Blair on the classic sitcom “The Facts of Life” discusses her book “Friendship for Grown-Ups” in which she reveals the challenges she faced building strong friendships in her personal life, and the Christ-centered approach she took to creating fulfilling relationships as an adult.
Rich Donnelly
Rich Donnelly - the World Series-winning baseball coach (1997 Florida Marlins) reveals the ways in which he strayed from his Catholic faith and family during his career, what brought him back to God, and why his daughter Amy’s statement “the chicken runs at midnight” became a message from heaven after she died of cancer at a young age.
Jay Fagano
Jay Fagnano – the founder of the “Thrive in Joy Nick Fagnano Foundation” discusses the lightning strike that killed his son in 2014, the essay he discovered about Nick’s vision of heaven after his death, and the ways in which he’s grown closer to God in the last two years.
Gary Jansen
Gary Jansen – Gary Jansen was recently struck by the thought of his own mortality. The husband and father of two sons suddenly asked himself, “What if I’m not here next year?”
Monica Gabriel
Monica Gabriel – the Relationships Editor for Verily magazine offers dating advice for singles, reveals the importance of making room for God in relationships, and shares some of the wisest advice she ever got from her mother about love.
Meadow Merrill
Meadow Rue Merrill – the author of the Christopher Award-winning book “Redeeming Ruth: Everything Life Takes, Love Restores,” shares her family’s story of adopting a disabled child from Uganda, trusting God to guide them through the process, and the joys and challenges they faced because of their decision.