Rooted In Christ

In this powerful episode of Rooted in Christ, Eric sits down with Darryll Rice to unpack a testimony that’s raw, real, and deeply transformative.

Darryll shares his journey from experiencing church hurt and walking away from faith, to navigating a lifestyle of partying, music, and chasing success—including a potential record deal—before ultimately encountering God in a life-changing way. What followed was a complete shift: from brokenness to purpose, from confusion to calling.

We dive into:

In this powerful episode of the Rooted & Christ Podcast, we sit down with genre-bending artist Scootie Wop (Emmanuel Lofton) to unpack a raw and unfiltered testimony of transformation.

Scootie shares his journey growing up in a military family, navigating identity struggles after his parents’ divorce, and getting pulled into gang culture at a young age. From there, things escalated into substance abuse, including prescription pills and Xanax, ultimately leading to a life-altering car crash that became a turning point.

This conversation dives deep into:

In this powerful episode of the Rooted in Christ Podcast, Eric sits down with special guest Stephen Brindle—strength and conditioning coach for the Philadelphia 76ers, Christian hip-hop artist, and man of deep faith.

Stephen shares his personal journey to Christ, from growing up in Pittsburgh and navigating family struggles, to wrestling with depression, identity, and worldly distractions during his early years. Through consistent time in the Word, community, and powerful life transformations around him, he came to understand the true weight of grace—that salvation isn’t earned, but given through faith.

We also dive i...

In this deeply moving episode of the Rooting in Christ Podcast, Eric sits down with Kimberly Stevens to share a powerful testimony of faith, loss, and redemption.

Kimberly opens up about her journey—from becoming a Christian as a college athlete to walking through unimaginable trials, including the loss of her son, a cancer diagnosis, and life-threatening illness in her daughter. Through it all, she reveals how God’s presence remained constant—even in seasons of silence, grief, and doubt.

This conversation dives into:

Mike Mack is back on the Rooted in Christ Podcast, and this conversation goes deep.

From celebrating 10 years of the Elevation Conference to breaking down the real challenges of building faith-based events, Mike shares wisdom on Christian hip-hop, artist development, and what it truly means to create for the Kingdom.

In this episode, we dive into:

In this episode of the Rooted in Christ Podcast, Eric  sits down with Cassian Bellino to talk about faith, doubt, and the journey of discovering God in a deeper way. Cassian shares her honest story—from growing up in the church but feeling disconnected from Scripture, to launching a Christian podcast where she asks the questions many believers are afraid to ask.

Together they explore what it means to pursue biblical understanding, wrestle with spiritual warfare, and stay rooted in Christ while navigating life’s challenges. Cassian opens up about her time living overseas, the moments that resha...

In this powerful episode of the Rooted in Christ Podcast, Eric Stephens sits down with Christian artist Mike Teezy for an honest conversation about faith, purpose, and staying grounded in God while navigating the music industry.

Mike opens up about his upcoming album “Chameleon,” explaining how his versatility across multiple genres—Christian hip hop, R&B, Afrobeat, pop, and more—has shaped his journey as an artist. Rather than chasing trends or industry approval, Mike shares how he’s learning to embrace who God created him to be, even if that means not...

In this powerful episode of the Rooted In Christ Podcast, Eric sits down with Julian Rodriguez for one of the most raw and transformative testimonies shared on the platform.

Born into gang culture in Chicago and raised between violence, drugs, poverty, and trauma, Julian opens up about witnessing his father’s addiction, family division, suicidal thoughts at a young age, and the weight of growing up far too soon. From living in an attic to hustling in the streets, his story reflects the harsh realities many inner-city families face.

But this episode isn’t ab...

On this powerful episode of the Rooted in Christ Podcast, Eric sits down alongside Nobles Darby IV—Metro Cleveland Director of Fellowship of Christian Athletes (FCA)—for a conversation about faith, sports, unity, and the Great Commission.

From the locker rooms of the NFL and NBA to high school campuses across Cleveland, Noel shares how God called him into chaplaincy and sports ministry at the highest levels. We dive into:

What happens when the stage you prayed for becomes the altar your family needed?

In this powerful episode of the Rooted in Christ Podcast, Eric Stephens sits down with Christian hip-hop artist Craig Wallace for a raw and heartfelt conversation about purpose, obedience, and the true mission behind the music.

Craig shares how a dream of performing on big stages wasn’t about fame—but about seeing his family saved. After performing at Beyond the Walls, that dream became reality when his uncle gave his life back to Christ. From that moment, the mission was clea...

In this powerful episode of The Rooted in Christ Podcast,  Eric sits down with Charron Leeper for a raw, Spirit-led conversation that challenges the very core of our faith.

From growing up in church to navigating pain, divorce, identity, rejection, and purpose, Charron shares her journey of walking with God beyond performance, platforms, and appearances. This episode dives deep into what it really means to love Jesus—not just for His blessings, but for who He is.

Together, they unpack topics like:

In this powerful and deeply moving episode of the Rooted in Christ Podcast, Eric sits down with Karla Callan for an unfiltered conversation about her radical journey from generational witchcraft and New Age practices to complete surrender to Jesus Christ.

Born into spiritual darkness and immersed in occult practices for nearly two decades, Karla shares how supernatural experiences, deception, trauma, and addiction kept her bound—until a divine encounter revealed Jesus as the only way out. With honesty and boldness, she breaks down how witchcraft, New Age spirituality, and co...

What happens when faith feels more like rules than relationship?

In this powerful episode of the Rooted in Christ Podcast, Eric Stephens sits down with Ana Murby to unpack a raw, honest testimony of walking away from Christianity—and being relentlessly pursued by God anyway.

Ana shares her journey through a legalistic Christian upbringing, deep shame, pornography addiction, divorce, and feeling completely disqualified from God’s love. Through brokenness, surrender, and radical honesty, she experienced true freedom—not through perfection, but through relationship with Jesus.

This conversation tackles topics the Ch...

In this powerful and deeply encouraging episode of the Rooted in Christ Podcast, host Eric Stephens, founder of Redwood Christian Ministries, sits down with Anna Hurst for an honest conversation about surrender, faith, and what it truly means to live with open hands before God.

Anna shares her personal journey from religious routine to authentic relationship with Jesus, unpacking the concept of open-handed living—a life marked by surrender, trust, and freedom. Together, Eric and Anna explore how hearing God’s voice shapes daily decisions, parenting, marriage, and...

In this episode of the Rooted in Christ Podcast, Eric Stephens sits down with Craig DeHut, co-founder of Appian Media, to explore what it truly takes to create biblically accurate, professionally produced Christian media that reaches a modern audience.

Craig shares the heart behind Appian Media’s mission: removing barriers to Scripture through accuracy, excellence, and free accessibility. From crowdfunding international documentary trips to Israel, Egypt, Greece, and Turkey, to working with archaeologists, historians, and local experts, Craig explains how his team brings the Bible to life in a way that is visually co...

In this powerful follow-up episode of The Rooted in Christ Podcast, Eric Stephens sits down once again with Mick Wienholt to unpack a harrowing near-death experience that forever marked his life—and revealed the depth of God’s grace even when Mick wanted nothing to do with Him.

At just 19 years old, Mick triggered an avalanche while climbing a 14,000-foot peak in Colorado. What followed was a catastrophic fall, severe head trauma, emergency brain surgery, and a recovery that should not have been possible. Even more astonishing was the perfectly timed presence of a stranger name...

What does it mean to truly live without fear?

UFC fighter Gabe “Gifted” Green returns to the Rooted in Christ Podcast for a powerful and unfiltered conversation with host Eric Stephens about faith, fear, and full surrender to God’s will. From stepping into the UFC cage to kneeling in prayer before a fight, Gabe shares how trusting God—not outcomes—has completely transformed the way he lives, competes, and leads.

Together, Eric and Gabe unpack Scripture from Psalm 118, Psalm 56, and the life of David, exploring...

In this deeply honest and Spirit-led conversation, Avery Lofton joins the Rooted in Christ Podcast to share her journey through marriage, motherhood, creativity, and unwavering faith in Jesus. From navigating the early sanctification of marriage to learning how to steward calling, family, and creativity without losing peace at home, Avery offers wisdom shaped by real life—not theory.

Avery opens up about marrying well, the importance of pre-marital counsel, and how God uses marriage and parenting to expose, refine, and grow us. She also shares her powerful testimony of coming to Christ at 19, overcoming fear an...

In this powerful and deeply moving episode of the Rooted in Christ Podcast, Eric Stephens sits down with Mick Wienholt to share a testimony shaped by unimaginable loss, raw grief, and God’s relentless pursuit.

Mick opens up about the tragic stillbirth of his firstborn son, Luke—a moment that shattered his world and forced him to confront a truth he could no longer avoid: what he thought was a Luke-shaped hole in his heart was actually a God-shaped one. Raised around Christianity but without a real relationship with Jesus, Mick desc...

In this powerful episode, Eric Stephens sits down with Detroit artists Kemara Lynn and Jaygo Beezy for an honest conversation on faith, music, purpose, and perseverance. Both artists share their personal journeys to Christ — from seasons of depression, identity struggles, and backsliding to radical encounters with God that transformed their lives.

The discussion dives deep into: • Surrendering talent, ambition, and creativity to Christ • Staying rooted in prayer, accountability, and consecration • Detroit’s influence on their artistry and mindset • The mission behind their faith-driven music • Maintaining humility, focus, and integrity in the music industry...

In this moving episode of the Rooted in Christ Podcast, Eric Stephens sits down with bestselling Christian author and Stanford-trained lawyer Lara Silverman to share her extraordinary testimony of suffering, faith, and hope.

Lara opens up about her rare neurological illness that left her bedridden, the collapse of her legal career, and the heartbreaking loss of her husband Matt. Yet through every fire, she witnessed God’s presence, joy, and unexpected redemption.

She also talks about her #1 bestselling memoir, Singing Through Fire, where she blends testimony, humor, music, and raw honesty to...

On this episode of the Rooted in Christ Podcast, Brenno returns for Round 3 with one of our most transparent and spiritually rich conversations yet. We dive deep into his testimony, the importance of the secret place, godly discipline, navigating platform pressure, and how God continues to shape his character, music, and calling.

Brenno also shares new updates about his debut album, "VIDA," fatherhood, marriage, creative balance, and what it truly means to follow Jesus with integrity in the spotlight.

Whether you're an artist, believer, or someone walking through a season of...

In this powerful conversation, Eric sits down with Yung Kriss, one of the leading voices shaping the Christian R&B movement. From personal testimony to industry insight, Kriss opens up about the challenges, victories, and spiritual battles behind the music that’s impacting lives around the world.

Together, they dive deep into: • The explosive growth of Christian R&B and why it’s becoming a global movement • The behind-the-scenes story of HBO Fest — the first Christian R&B festival that sold out beyond capacity • Lives changed, altars filled, and the spiritual impact of in-person mi...

In this powerful episode of the Rooted in Christ Podcast, host Eric Stephens sits down with worship leader, missionary, and speaker Rodrick Wilson to discuss his incredible journey of faith, healing, and purpose.

From growing up in the church to discovering his calling as a worship leader and missionary, Rod shares how God used seasons of brokenness to reveal his true purpose. He opens up about his song “Yahweh,” his mission work in Peru, the importance of prayer and fasting, and how staying rooted in God’s presence transformed his life.

This e...

In this powerful episode of the Rooted in Christ Podcast, host Eric Stephens sits down with Dr. Laurette Willis, founder of Weight Loss Without Willpower and PraiseMoves Fitness Ministry.

Dr. Laurette shares her remarkable journey — from emotional eating at age six and two decades in the New Age movement, to a life transformed by Jesus Christ. Now a Cognitive Behavioral Therapist and Christian Weight Loss Coach, she helps women renew their minds on God’s Word and retrain their brains with biblical principles rooted in neuroscience.

Di...

In this powerful episode, Eric Stephens welcomes back returning guest Taylor Johnson for an honest conversation about moving from a lukewarm faith to a bold, all-in relationship with Jesus.

Taylor shares her personal journey of breaking free from self-preservation, fear of rejection, and spiritual complacency to walk confidently in her God-given purpose. Together, she and Eric discuss what it means to truly trust God, live out the Word, and keep your fire burning through daily surrender and obedience.

From reflections on Revelation 3 to stories of faith, humility, and revival, this episode...

In this powerful conversation, host Eric Stephens sits down with DFG Sul, an artist and servant of God whose music and testimony reflect a deep walk of faith, purpose, and perseverance. From growing up in the church to navigating the tension between worldly success and spiritual obedience, Sul opens up about his journey of returning to his calling—creating music that glorifies God and reaches hearts across generations.

He shares lessons on staying grounded in faith, guarding what we let into our spirit, and keeping God at the center of creativity, family, and da...

In this episode of the Road in Christ Podcast, Eric sits down with Lil G Fresh, Cleveland artist whose journey from freestyling in her basement at 11 to creating Christ-centered music is nothing short of inspiring.

Lil G shares how the Holy Spirit transformed her life at 18, shifting her focus from secular hip hop to spreading the gospel through her lyrics. Now balancing her role as a communications specialist at NASA with her passion for music, she opens up about staying grounded in faith, creating independently, and using her platform to reflect...