Amazing Greats

Host Ric Hansen. Produced by Klem Daniels

5.0 (6)
CHRISTIANITY
UPDATED BIWEEKLY

Interviews with well known actors, authors, artists, athletes, musicians, and business leaders. Authentic conversations about their lives, careers, and how their faith played an important part. Inspiring and uplifting stories of hope, transformation, and triumph. We dig deep for the powerful life stories from some very amazing guests...truly "souls on fire".

4H AGO

Jim Ryun: Faith, Olympics, Congress & Camps

A lot of people know Jim Ryun as the high school kid who became a three-time Olympian and set a world record for breaking the 4 minute mile (that held for 36 years) and the guy who later served five terms in Congress. We wanted to go deeper than the highlight reel and ask what he’s built that’s lasted the longest: the Jim Ryun Running Camps, now entering year 51, and the simple system that keeps shaping young athletes long after the medals and elections fade. The camps emphasize real distance running fundamentals that parents, coaches, and high school runners can use right away: threshold training, tempo work, smarter recovery, and why rest is a skill. Jim also shares what the camp teaches about nutrition and performance, including a clear warning about how sugar can quietly drain energy and health. We even get into phones and social media, and why attention is one of the most important training tools your athlete has. The heart of the conversation is what makes this more than a running camp. Jim explains how he weaves faith and character development into a performance environment, what spiritual challenges he sees in Gen Z athletes, and why transparency from adult mentors matters. He also tells a personal story from his early Christian life that pushed him out of comfort and into service, a reminder that belief becomes real when it turns into action. If you care about youth sports, endurance training, Christian athletics, or raising grounded competitors, you’ll take something practical from this one. Subscribe, share this with a runner or a parent, and leave a review so more people can find the show. For his in depth life story, make sure to check out our first conversation with Jim on Episode #23 of Amazing Greats from 2021. "Amazing Greats" is a library of interviews with highly successful people who have amazing career and life stories and who share how God has impacted their journey. Hosted by broadcaster Ric Hansen & produced by Klem Daniels. Available on Apple, Spotify, iHeart, Google and our YouTube Channel. Please help us grow our audience by "liking", "subscribing and "Sharing". Thanks so much.

36 min
MAR 17

Comedian Nazareth: Laughter for All

He was building momentum in the clubs, getting attention in Hollywood, Vegas the hottest comedy clubs and even had a sitcom in the works, then one church invite flipped everything. Clean comic Nazareth joins us to tell the true story of hearing “come as you are,” giving his life to Christ, and making the bold Monday-morning decision to walk away from the old path so God could redefine his purpose. We talk about what it really looks like to combine stand-up comedy with faith without losing the room. Nazareth explains how he earns laughter first, then shares his testimony in a way that feels natural, whether he’s performing for a corporate crowd or a packed church. Along the way, he tells unforgettable moments from the road, including a stage collapse and a tense interaction that turned into an unexpected hug, and why he still believes invitations and altar calls matter. Then we dig into the impact: "Laughter for All", his nonprofit that brings clean, family-friendly comedy to people who need it most, from pay-it-forward community nights to shows at recovery groups, missions, and shelters, always with hope at the center. We also cover his years performing inside prisons, his current focus mentoring junior high boys, and "Voice of Refugees", a refugee services ministry providing furniture, job help, and practical support while sharing Jesus with resettled families. If you care about clean comedy, Christian entertainment, prison ministry, refugee outreach, and finding real joy, this conversation is for you. Subscribe, share this with a friend who needs a laugh, and leave a review so more people can find the show. "Amazing Greats" is a library of interviews with highly successful people who have amazing career and life stories and who share how God has impacted their journey. Hosted by broadcaster Ric Hansen & produced by Klem Daniels. Available on Apple, Spotify, iHeart, Google and our YouTube Channel. Please help us grow our audience by "liking", "subscribing and "Sharing". Thanks so much.

47 min
12/17/2025

A Legendary Voice, A Raw Story — Bonnie Keen on Faith That Endures

In this powerful episode of Amazing Greats, singer-songwriter, author, and original First Call member Bonnie Keen joins us for a raw and hope-soaked conversation about her extraordinary journey. For those who may not know, First Call was one of the most iconic vocal groups in Contemporary Christian Music during the ’80s and ’90s — known for their tight harmonies, innovative arrangements, and a sound that helped define an era. Bonnie pulls back the curtain on the highs of that celebrated career alongside the deep valleys of divorce, single motherhood, identity loss, and a years-long battle with depression that left her questioning everything she thought she knew. With honesty, humor, and a faith forged in the fire, she shares how God met her in the darkest places and slowly rebuilt her life, her confidence, and her calling. You’ll hear the untold stories behind her time with First Call, the life-changing moments that reshaped her spiritual walk, and the unexpected ways God used pain to strengthen her voice and her ministry. Whether you’ve followed Bonnie’s work for decades or are discovering her for the first time, this conversation will leave you inspired, encouraged, and deeply moved. It’s a reminder that God does some of His most amazing work in the rubble — and Bonnie Keen is living proof of that. "Amazing Greats" is a library of interviews with highly successful people who have amazing career and life stories and who share how God has impacted their journey. Hosted by broadcaster Ric Hansen & produced by Klem Daniels. Available on Apple, Spotify, iHeart, Google and our YouTube Channel. Please help us grow our audience by "liking", "subscribing and "Sharing". Thanks so much.

34 min
11/19/2025

Faith, Injuries, and a Cinderella Season: Inside the heart of TCU Coach Jessie Craig

The Coach's Calling Join us for an inspiring conversation with Jessie Craig, a phenomenal coach from the TCU Women's Basketball staff who helped steer the team to a historic "Cinderella" season. This episode goes beyond the court, charting Coach Craig's incredible 4,000-mile personal and professional journey from her homeschooled, Christian roots in Fairbanks, Alaska, to the high-stakes world of Division I basketball in Texas. Hear how a series of career-ending injuries became a pivotal moment, forcing her to rely on her faith and unexpectedly launching her coaching career—starting as a high school JV assistant at just 17. Her story is a testament to how God can turn setbacks into opportunities, shaping her into the faithful, driven leader she is today. Faith, Mentorship, and a Historic Season Coach Craig dives into the dramatic turnaround of the TCU team, including their first Big 12 championships and Sweet 16 appearance, highlighting how recruiting character and fostering a strong team culture are the core ingredients for success. Discover the profound influence of legendary coach Fred Crowell ("Papa Suave") and his mantra of "Relentless Pursuit of Excellence" on both her coaching style and her spiritual walk. Learn about the unique environment at TCU that allows Christian principles to integrate with elite athletics, and how her faith sustains her in the high-pressure world of collegiate sports. This is a story about trusting the process, patiently enduring affliction, and witnessing God's faithfulness at every turn of a remarkable career. "Amazing Greats" is a library of interviews with highly successful people who have amazing career and life stories and who share how God has impacted their journey. Hosted by broadcaster Ric Hansen & produced by Klem Daniels. Available on Apple, Spotify, iHeart, Google and our YouTube Channel. Please help us grow our audience by "liking", "subscribing and "Sharing". Thanks so much.

35 min
11/04/2025

The Live Wire: Coach R-Jay Barsh on Faith, Adversity, and Basketball at Gonzaga

When you meet Gonzaga University basketball coach R-Jay Barsh, one thing is clear—he’s a live wire for Jesus. In this inspiring episode of Amazing Greats, we dive deep into the journey of a man whose passion for the game is matched only by his passion for Christ. From his early days in High School and Tacoma Community College to leading college teams across the country and now coaching alongside legends at Gonzaga, R-Jay’s story is a powerful testimony of perseverance, calling, and faith in action. A devastating back injury ended his playing career and sent him searching for purpose beyond the scoreboard. That’s when God revealed a new game plan—coaching, mentoring, and ministering through basketball. Along the way, R-Jay was profoundly shaped by Fred Crowell, founder of NBC Basketball Camps, whose faith and mentorship sparked ripples that continue to change lives. R-Jay's story is another example of the ripple effect of one man, the late Fred Crowell. Fred’s own powerful journey is captured in Amazing Greats episode 10 and another “Fred ripple” can be heard in episode 78 with Indiana Pacers VP Ryan Carr. With his trademark energy and authenticity, Coach Barsh shares how adversity deepened his faith, how he lives out his calling on and off the court, and why every practice, huddle, and halftime can become a place of ministry. Whether you love basketball or just need a reminder of what it means to live on fire for God, this conversation will move and motivate you. "Amazing Greats" is a library of interviews with highly successful people who have amazing career and life stories and who share how God has impacted their journey. Hosted by broadcaster Ric Hansen & produced by Klem Daniels. Available on Apple, Spotify, iHeart, Google and our YouTube Channel. Please help us grow our audience by "liking", "subscribing and "Sharing". Thanks so much.

43 min
10/16/2025

Faith on Wheels: Nuka Hart and the Mission of Mobility

When Nuka Hart answered God’s call to lead Free Wheelchair Mission, she stepped into a global movement that has transformed more than a million lives — one wheelchair at a time. As CEO, Nuka blends her deep faith with bold leadership to bring hope and mobility to people who might otherwise be forgotten. In this episode of Amazing Greats, Nuka shares her personal faith journey, the moments that confirmed her calling, and the powerful stories of transformation she’s witnessed in communities around the world. You’ll hear how simple acts of compassion can ripple across nations — and how God can use even the smallest “yes” to move mountains. It’s a story of vision, perseverance, and the incredible grace of God at work through ordinary people doing extraordinary things. Whether you’re a leader, a dreamer, or someone searching for purpose, Nuka’s story will remind you that faith in motion truly changes the world. PS I just bought my first wheelchair to provide mobility to someone who desperately needs it. It was easy....for $100 you can to. Just click here. "Amazing Greats" is a library of interviews with highly successful people who have amazing career and life stories and who share how God has impacted their journey. Hosted by broadcaster Ric Hansen & produced by Klem Daniels. Available on Apple, Spotify, iHeart, Google and our YouTube Channel. Please help us grow our audience by "liking", "subscribing and "Sharing". Thanks so much.

49 min
09/24/2025

Indiana Pacers, NBA Dreams, and God’s Game Plan with Ryan Carr

Imagine not making your high school varsity basketball team, standing just 5’7”, and thinking your dream of making it in the game you love is unrealistic. That was Ryan Carr’s reality. But what seemed hopeless, was really the beginning of a bigger story—one that would take him from writing a bold letter to coaching legend Bobby Knight, to working side-by-side with Larry Bird, and eventually to his role as Senior Vice President of Player Personnel for the Indiana Pacers. Ryan’s path proves that when God has a plan, no obstacle is too great. Ryan was one of hundreds of amazing basketball (and life) success stories that came out of NBC basketball camps founded by Fred Crowell our guest on Episode #10 of Amazing Greats. (if you haven't listened to it yet, you need to check it out.). Fred passed away of cancer in August of 2021. In this episode of Amazing Greats, Ryan Carr shares how God’s fingerprints have been all over his journey—not just in the surprising career breaks, but in the valleys as well. He opens up about the moment he gave his life to Christ at age 30, how faith carried him through personal loss and depression, and why he now sees every success as an opportunity to glorify God. With honesty, humility, and wisdom from years inside the NBA, Ryan’s story is one of perseverance, grace, and the transforming power of faith. If you’ve ever faced setbacks, wondered about your purpose, or questioned if God could really use your story, this conversation will inspire you to trust His game plan. "Amazing Greats" is a library of interviews with highly successful people who have amazing career and life stories and who share how God has impacted their journey. Hosted by broadcaster Ric Hansen & produced by Klem Daniels. Available on Apple, Spotify, iHeart, Google and our YouTube Channel. Please help us grow our audience by "liking", "subscribing and "Sharing". Thanks so much.

53 min
09/03/2025

“When God Says ‘Go’: The Miracle Story Behind Invisible Angels”

What happens when a commercial airline pilot hears God’s call to take flight on a mission bigger than himself? Ted Greenfield went from teacher, TV producer, and FAA employee to the founder of Invisible Angels—a nonprofit airline that provides free transportation to survivors of human trafficking. His journey is filled with unexpected turns, divine provision, and miracles that only God could orchestrate. In this episode of Amazing Greats, Ted shares how a Bible study opened his eyes to the hidden reality of trafficking in America, how a prophetic prayer and a donated airplane set his mission in motion, and why “do nothing” became one of the most important lessons of his life. With stories of heartbreak, redemption, and God’s unmistakable fingerprints, Ted’s testimony is proof that when you surrender your plans, God can use your skills—and even your struggles—to save lives and shine His light. "Amazing Greats" is a library of interviews with highly successful people who have amazing career and life stories and who share how God has impacted their journey. Hosted by broadcaster Ric Hansen & produced by Klem Daniels. Available on Apple, Spotify, iHeart, Google and our YouTube Channel. Please help us grow our audience by "liking", "subscribing and "Sharing". Thanks so much.

1h 3m

TRAILER

The start of something BIG! The first look at what's coming to a podcast near you.

A quick look at what Amazing Greats has planned for your listening pleasure. Totally awesome life stories of some of America's most notable Authors, Actors, Athletes, Musicians, business leaders, politicians, and cultural icons. Learn about our veteran broadcast stars who will rotate as show hosts. A glimpse of what you can expect from the unique slant we take on the life stories of some planned guests. "Amazing Greats" is a library of interviews with highly successful people who have amazing career and life stories and who share how God has impacted their journey. Hosted by broadcaster Ric Hansen & produced by Klem Daniels. Available on Apple, Spotify, iHeart, Google and our YouTube Channel. Please help us grow our audience by "liking", "subscribing and "Sharing". Thanks so much.

S1, E1

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6 min

5

out of 5

6 Ratings

Interviews with well known actors, authors, artists, athletes, musicians, and business leaders. Authentic conversations about their lives, careers, and how their faith played an important part. Inspiring and uplifting stories of hope, transformation, and triumph. We dig deep for the powerful life stories from some very amazing guests...truly "souls on fire".

Creator

Host Ric Hansen. Produced by Klem Daniels
Years Active

2021 - 2026
Episodes

94
Rating

Clean
Copyright

© 2026 Amazing Greats
Show Website

Amazing Greats