CIA: Contagious Influencers of America

Contagious, Inc.
  • 4.8 (45)
  • Christianity
  • Updated Semiweekly

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.

  1. Celebrating America's 250th Birthday with LEE GREENWOOD — The Story of God Bless The U.S.A.

    1d ago

    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 American holiday playlist. Nine-time Emmy winner David Sams sits down with the Grammy award-winning artist to reflect on the song's remarkable 40-year journey — from being written in the back of a tour bus in 1983 to becoming the only song ever charted in the top five across all genres of music. Lee shares stories from nearly 300 days a year on the road, performing at two presidential inaugurations at the Lincoln Memorial, touring with Bob Hope on his final USO Christmas tour, and what it felt like to watch "God Bless The U.S.A." surge back to the top after 9/11 and the Gulf War. They also dig into Lee's nonprofit work with Helping a Hero — a Houston-based foundation that has built over 200 specially adapted homes for wounded warriors — and the story behind the limited edition "God Bless The U.S.A. Bible," a leather-bound King James Bible featuring Lee's handwritten chorus lyrics alongside the Constitution, Bill of Rights, Declaration of Independence, and Pledge of Allegiance. This Fourth of July Lee's message rings as true as ever: America is the greatest country on the planet — and faith, unity, and hope will always carry us through. #leegreenwood #godblessthesua #america250 #july4 #keepthefaith #davidsams #contagiousinfluencer

    37 min
  2. You Might Also Like: On Purpose with Jay Shetty

    1d ago ·  Bonus

    You Might Also Like: On Purpose with Jay Shetty

    Introducing Layla Taylor EXCLUSIVE: The Truth She's Finally Ready To Share from On Purpose with Jay Shetty. Follow the show: On Purpose with Jay Shetty In one of her most honest conversations yet, Layla Taylor reflects on the quiet journey of becoming herself. She opens up about coming out as bisexual, navigating faith, identity, single motherhood, and the weight of growing up feeling like she had to fit into everyone else's expectations. Rather than focusing on the hardships alone, this episode explores what happens when you stop living in survival mode and finally choose authenticity, self-worth, and the freedom to define your own life. In this episode you'll learn: How to Stop Living for Other People's Approval How to Finally Embrace Your Authentic Self How to Leave a Toxic Relationship Without Regret How to Find Yourself After Divorce and Heartbreak How to Be Comfortable Being Alone for the First Time How to Turn Your Hardest Experiences Into Strength The greatest freedom comes from embracing yourself with honesty, letting go of the expectations that no longer serve you, and trusting that growth often begins on the other side of fear. Your story doesn't have to be perfect to be meaningful, it just has to be yours. With Love and Gratitude, Jay Shetty JAY’S DAILY WISDOM DELIVERED STRAIGHT TO YOUR INBOX Join 900,000+ readers discovering how small daily shifts create big life change with my free newsletter. Subscribe https://news.jayshetty.me/subscribe   Check out our Apple subscription to unlock bonus content of On Purpose! https://lnk.to/JayShettyPodcast  What We Discuss: 00:00 Intro 00:48 Coming Out for the First Time 02:45 Stop Living for Other People 03:48 Choosing to Be Yourself 06:33 Understanding Your Sexuality 07:56 Why We Need to Talk About Sex 10:08 Why I Became Mormon 12:50 The Need to Fit In 15:12 How My Kids Changed Me 16:53 Becoming a Mom at 19 18:15 Why I Chose Marriage 19:53 Inside a Toxic Relationship 21:04 Learning to Know Your Worth 23:24 Starting Over as a Single Mom 25:54 My Lowest Point 27:31 Learning to Date Again 29:05 Finding Yourself in Solitude 30:32 The Conversation Women Need to Have 33:08 Why Sex Education Matters 36:26 Letting Go of Perfection 36:59 Accepting Who You Are 38:51 Facing Your Biggest Fear 39:40 Dating Women for the First Time 41:07 The Reality of Parenting 43:00 Raising Mentally Healthy Kids 44:16 Healing Low Self-Worth 46:41 Using Your Platform for Good 47:58 Opening Your Heart Again 49:03 If You're Afraid to Come Out 52:30 Layla on Final Five  Episode Resources: Instagram | https://www.instagram.com/laylaleannetaylor  TikTok | https://www.tiktok.com/@laylaleannetaylor See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information. DISCLAIMER: Please note, this is an independent podcast episode not affiliated with, endorsed by, or produced in conjunction with the host podcast feed or any of its media entities. The views and opinions expressed in this episode are solely those of the creators and guests. For any concerns, please reach out to team@podroll.fm.

  3. She Buried a Hero — Now 'American Sniper' Widow TAYA KYLE Reminds America What We're Celebrating

    Jun 25 ·  Video

    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 of America's greatest war heroes — his story immortalized in the book and blockbuster film American Sniper. After Chris was tragically murdered at a shooting range in Texas, Taya chose to transform her grief into purpose, honoring his memory as a bestselling author, speaker, and champion for military families. In this timeless conversation with host David Sams, Taya opens up about turning fear into faith, tragedy into triumph, and suffering into strength — all while raising her children with the values of the warrior spirit Chris embodied. Her story is a living reminder of what American resilience truly looks like. As we mark 250 years of the American dream, Taya Kyle's journey reminds us that freedom has a cost — and that the families who bear that cost deserve our deepest gratitude and support. Learn more about Taya, her books "American Spirit," "American Wife" and her foundation, Taya and Chris Kyle Family – Service Marriage Strong, which serves military and first responder families at tackf.org.

    41 min

  4. Jun 18 ·  Video

    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 year. Long before the Robertsons encouraged millions on their hit TV show Duck Dynasty, there was a day when none of this looked remotely possible. The early years were marked by severe brokenness, but Phil's life became the ultimate testament to a fatherhood redeemed by grace. The matriarch of the family, Miss Kay Robertson, and her daughter-in-law, Korie, joined nine-time Emmy winner David Sams to share the raw, behind-the-scenes truth of Phil's radical transformation. If you loved their hit biographical feature film, The Blind, or if you are a dad looking to build a lasting spiritual legacy for your own family, this powerful archive conversation is exactly what you need to hear this Father's Day weekend. Plus, you can watch the new season of Duck Dynasty: The Revival on A&E. #keepthefaith #contagiousinfluencer #philrobertson #duckdynasty #misskay #korierobertson

    32 min
  5. GRANGER SMITH: Fame, Faith & a Father's Grief - This One's for the Dads

    Jun 11 ·  Video

    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 — award-winning, platinum-selling country music artist turned New York Times bestselling author and minister — five years after the tragic drowning death of his three-year-old son, River. In this raw, honest conversation, Granger opens up about the 10 minutes he performed CPR on his little boy, the guilt, the grief, and the moment he realized fame and music had quietly become more about him than about God. So he walked away from it all. He also shares the beautiful story behind his youngest son Maverick's name — and why without losing River, Maverick wouldn't be the miracle he is today. This encore comes at the perfect time: Granger's new book Poison in the Well: 11 Toxic Beliefs That Kept Me from the Living Water of Jesus drops September 8, 2026 — and it's already generating serious buzz. It digs into the doubts that hit after loss, asking the question: "What if everything I believe about my faith was actually built on shifting sand?" If Like a River wrecked you in the best way, this one goes even deeper. Whether you're in a dark season, questioning your faith, or just hungry for something real — this episode is for you. 🎧 Listen now. Then pre-order Poison in the Well at grangersmith.com.

    29 min
  6. BEN FULLER: Sobriety, the Opry, & Prequel to the Ring

    May 20 ·  Video

    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." Recorded just before his recent engagement, this conversation is a time capsule of the faith it takes to wait for God's best. The Dating Game: Ben opens up about the difficulty of finding a real connection while staying 100% sober. The Opry Milestone: The behind-the-scenes story of his debut on the world's most famous stage. The Redemption: From a Vermont dairy farm and a cocaine addiction to a life of radical purpose. Hear the heart of the man before he found the ring.

    52 min
  7. TIM STOREY says Detours Aren't the End — They're God's Road to Your Destiny

    May 20

    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 powerful conversation about hope, hardship, purpose, and the beauty of becoming. From being raised in humble beginnings in Compton, California, to speaking in 83 countries, leading Hollywood Bible studies, mentoring celebrities, and landing on the cover of Success magazine, Tim shares the wisdom he's gained through decades of helping people navigate life's biggest questions—and hardest seasons. Tim opens up about: Why your mindset is yours to set every single day The power of his "Lead With Love" movement in a divided world How to stay aligned with your God-given assignment when life gets interrupted Why dreams require not just a plan—but the development of the person What detours, delays, and distractions can teach us about purpose The moving lessons he's learning from his 95-year-old mother and the gift of being fully present Why even success doesn't mean you "have it all together" How he built a life that welcomes people from every walk of life into what he calls a "daily town hall" This conversation is full of timeless encouragement, practical wisdom, and the kind of perspective that helps you breathe deeper, trust more, and keep moving forward—even when life doesn't go according to plan. If you've ever faced disappointment, uncertainty, or wondered whether your dream is still possible, this episode will remind you: God still works through detours, and your story isn't over. Listen now—and share with someone who needs a fresh dose of hope and purpose today. To learn more about Tim Storey, his events, podcast, and "Lead With Love" movement, visit TimStorey.com. #PodcastInterview #TimStorey #DavidSams #ContagiousInfluencersOfAmerica #LifeCoachToTheStars #LeadWithLove #MiracleMentality #FaithAndPurpose #HopeAndEncouragement #DreamAgain #KeepTheFaith

    42 min
  8. TIM TIMMONS defies a 5-year cancer prognosis, and his story is told in "I CAN ONLY IMAGINE 2" in theaters Friday!

    Feb 17

    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 in 2001 and given just five years, Tim's story deepened into one of profound faith, surrender, and hope. Now, over two decades later, his journey is portrayed by Milo Ventimiglia (Gilmore Girls, This is Us) in "I Can Only Imagine 2," tied to MercyMe's iconic song that has impacted millions "Even If." Tim shares openly about: Living with cancer while embracing both grief and hope Shifting from "working for God" to simply joining Jesus His daily grounding practice (the X he writes on his wrist each morning) Co-writing "Even If" with MercyMe's Bart Millard Watching his life and pain depicted on the big screen The heart of his new book, Waking Up Again: A Journey of Grief and Gratitude This isn't about pretending life is easy—it's about waking up again to presence, purpose, and a faith that holds joy and sorrow together. If you're facing uncertainty, loss, or a heavy season, this conversation will meet you with real hope. I Can Only Imagine 2 opens in theaters this Friday! "Waking Up Again" is available now wherever books are sold. Listen today—and share with someone who needs encouragement. Click here for tickets:  I Can Only Imagine 2 | Only In Theaters February 20 #PodcastInterview #FaithAndHope #WakingUpAgain #ICanOnlyImagine2 #EvenIf #GriefAndGratitude #TimTimmons #MercyMe #DavidSams #KeepTheFaith

    26 min
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4.8
out of 5
45 Ratings

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 personal triumph, overcoming obstacles, defeating fear, fighting addiction, and rejecting failure. Hosted by 9-time Emmy winner David Sams.

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