Crossmap Podcast

The Crossmap Podcast features inspiring heart-to-heart conversations with Christian newsmakers of the day including authors, experts, pastors, and entertainers on topics that are good for the entire family while honoring your faith-based values. Join Crossmap managing editor Chris Carpenter as he engages guests in thought-provoking but light-hearted banter on subjects that shape and influence our culture through the lens of faith. Gain valuable insight on how to live a meaningful Christian life and experience laughs along the way too! The Crossmap Podcast is part of the Edifi Podcast Network

  1. 3D AGO

    The Biblical Nutritionist Annette Reeder on God, Gummy Bears, and Good Health

    Discover Christian Nutrition | The Biblical Nutritionisthttps://thebiblicalnutritionist.com It’s the new year, and when it comes to good health, people all over the world are searching for answers. Desperate to lose weight and to find a healthier resolve, gym memberships rise tremendously this time of year while the latest, greatest diet fads seem to have a life of their own. They are all searching for the recipe to excellent health. But what if the answer lies not in pumping more iron or eating kale three times per day? What if the solution can be found in the weathered pages of the true source. With more than 20 million YouTube views to her credit, Annette Reeder wants to see the strongholds of food and substance addiction eradicated. She believes that people need to turn to God for better health instead of erecting pillars of “health” to worship that lead to further problems, both physically and spiritually.  Known as the Biblical Nutritionist, Reeder routinely shows people how to improve their health with the Biblical way of eating. She says that our bodies are His, and we can be nourished, refreshed, and healthier if we would just apply a few basic principles found in God's Word.Reeder joins us on the Crossmap Podcast to share some practical advice on how to get the best nutrition from our eating habits. Listen as she shares how a few simple tweaks in your diet can add years, if not decades of healthy vitality to your life.

    37 min
  2. 12/18/2025

    Author Brent Rittersdorf on Finding the 'Point in the Purpose'

    Brent Rittersdorf - 10 for 10 Cheers To Your Purpose!https://brentrittersdorf.com/ The Point Is in the Purpose: How Going 10 for 10 Can Change Your Lifehttps://www.amazon.com/Point-Purpose-Going-Change-Your/dp/B0FTTP5ZBR As we close out 2025 and begin thinking about the new year, it is natural to stop for a moment to take stock of where we have been over the last year to determine our goals for the next 12 months.  It is in these moments that we inevitably ask ourselves a simple yet often terrifying question: What is My Purpose?So many people struggle to answer the question, yet so many times the word is referenced in a way that just assumes we have one.  Author and motivational speaker Brent Rittersdorf wanted to write a book that not only uncovers that assumption but gives you the framework to answer the question, and how to actually achieve your purpose as well.  In his debut leadership book, “The Point is in the Purpose: How Going 10 for 10 Can Change Your Life”, Rittersdorf shares what he has discovered in his 30 plus years of researching the foundations for finding structure and meaning in your life. Interestingly enough, the origins of his purpose began by shooting free throws in a high school basketball tournament in front of 5,000 people. Rittersdorf joins us to discuss the misconceptions many people have when it comes to the foundational topic of purpose. Listen as he shares a simple leadership principle that most people get wrong and the unexpected way to identify what you’re truly meant to do.

    52 min
  3. 12/11/2025

    'Soul on Fire': John O'Leary on Hope, Healing, and Finding Purpose from Tragedy

    Website: Home - John O'Learyhttps://johnolearyinspires.com/ Soul On Fire | Now Playing In Theatershttps://soulonfiremovie.com/ Known far and wide for his positive, uplifting messages of hope, motivational speaker, author, and podcaster John O’Leary has inspired thousands around the world by sharing his perspective on how to live more boldly yet selflessly. But long before developing such a positive outlook on life, O’Leary was a broken boy who became a hopeless young man. For you see, at the age of nine, the Missouri native was burned over 100% of his body in a freak accident and given zero chance to live. But somehow, some way, this average boy who loved the St. Louis Cardinals eventually found something that no one could take away from him: a positive perspective. Simply put, O’Leary’s life is the definition of Romans 8:28 (NIV): And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to His purpose.  So inspiring is O’Leary’s story of finding purpose through tragedy that a new movie has been made about his life. Starring Oscar-nominated actor William H. Macy (Fargo, Magnolia), John Corbett (Northern Exposure, All Saints), Joel Courtney (Jesus Revolution), and Masey McLain (The Baxters), Soul on Fire is now available digitally and on DVD/BluRay. O’Leary joins us on the Crossmap Podcast to discuss how God can use anything to find greater good. Listen as he shares how this tragic accident reinvented his life, and his hope that this movie can change and redeem the life of one.

    45 min
  4. 11/27/2025

    For Tasha Layton 'Life in Me' a Five Loaves and Two Fish Moment

    Tasha Layton Official Sitehttps://tashalayton.com/ Life in Me: CDs & VinylBuy on Amazon Being obedient to God is something that all of us ascribe to but so few of us always follow through. Sometimes the simplest things seem to get in our way. With our best intentions, we often fall short in our quest to please others, satisfy our sinful desires, or walk the fine line between love and hate. Singer/songwriter Tasha Layton believes that when you are a follower of Jesus Christ your life is not your own. If we are obedient, He will take our loaves and fish and multiply them. Doing so may not guide us in the direction we desire, but being in His will is far more important than our selfish pursuits. It is that spirit that has fueled Layton’s twisty-turny journey of obedience the last 15 years, one that has included earning a masters of divinity degree, being an American Idol contestant, a backup singer for Katy Perry, and even serving as a college professor. All before signing her first Christian recording contract in 2018. But Layton doesn’t regret any of it, for she believes it was all part of God preparing her for the current season she is in. Recently, the South Carolina native has released her second full-length album called “Life in Me”. This dynamic collection of songs represents where the last 15 years of living for Him have taken her. It is a journey Layton is thankful for, not because it has fulfilled her heart’s desire but because she has consistently followed God’s leading along the way. Layton joins us on the Crossmap Podcast to reflect on where God has taken her the last 15 years as she pursued a career in Christian music. Listen as she walks us through her new album, pointing out how each song helps the listener to identify with the freedom and joy that only He can provide.

    39 min
  5. 10/30/2025

    for KING & COUNTRY' Luke Smallbone Sets the 'World on Fire' with New Music

    The flames seemed to climb higher and higher at the recent Dove Awards ceremony as the Grammy Award winning duo for KING & COUNTRY unveiled their latest radio single, “World on Fire”. As flames blazed 20 feet high on the stage, the performance served as a beacon that they were back and better than ever. The performance marked the band’s first original song release in more than two years. Fresh from a year off from touring to get some much-needed rest and to regroup for the next phase of their music, “World on Fire” represents a rallying cry to live fully alive and to be on fire for God. The single will serve as a precursor to their forthcoming 2026 album release, a recording designed to build upon the success of the 2024 hit feature film “Unsung Hero”, a biopic about how their family first came to America from Australia.
One half of for KING & COUNTRY, Luke Smallbone, says that the time off afforded them the chance to reflect upon where the last 15 years have taken them and to allow God to breathe new vision into their hearts. He believes that out of this refining process will come a renewed clarity to usher in a new era for them, one of passion and purpose. Luke joins me to chat about why he and his brother, Joel Smallbone, decided to take some time off and how it has refocused them for what lies ahead. Listen as he shares about their new single, "World on Fire" and his hope that it will become an anthem for revival around the world. Links from the Show for KING + COUNTRY - WORLD ON FIRE with Taylor Hill | Live At GMA Dove Awards 2025Luke Smallbone's first appearance on this podcast (Episode 85)

    30 min
  6. 10/16/2025

    Steel Industry Executive Chris Whittington's Music a 'Bright Portal' to Stronger Faith

    The old adage, “follow your dreams” is something that we have all heard but rarely do we ever hear about someone who actually arrived at their desired destination. Too many times, people get derailed in their pursuit due to seemingly insurmountable obstacles, unforeseen detours, or an eventual lack of interest.  That’s why it is always so heartwarming to hear about that individual who actually made their dreams come true. Take Texas-based steel industry executive Chris Whittington for example. As the owner and founder of a Houston-based steel company, Whittington has forged a highly respectable career in providing industrial grade metals to a region known for energy, aerospace, and manufacturing. But he had a passion beyond the industry he has so dutifully served for more than three decades.  Music. Running parallel to his business pursuits, Whittington has served as a worship leader in local churches for many years, creating a natural venue for him to write and perform his own music. Over the last decade, he has released three solo albums including his latest, Bright Portal Remastered 2025 which is an updated version of his debut which was originally released in 2015. Whittington joins us on the Crossmap Podcast to talk about the powerful influence that music has had on his spiritual life. Listen as he shares what God has taught him about the value of patience in balancing a successful career in business with a burgeoning passion writing, recording, and releasing music.

    42 min
  7. 10/02/2025

    Dr. Jeff Myers on the Battle for the Soul of Generation Z

    Here is a bold statement that is hard to comprehend and believe. Generation Z is being shaped more by TikTok than by Biblical truth. 
 This begs the question, who exactly are today’s young adults and how do we reach them? A simple Google search of Gen Z pops up 1.3 billion hits in just a fraction of a second. However, there is very little clarity on what this young people group actually thinks, feels, and believes.
 To better understand who these current 13- to 28-year-olds are, Summit Ministries, recognized as a leader in cultural engagement, has released a brand-new 40-page white paper resource called, “State of the Rising Generation Report”. Designed for parents, teachers, and pastors, this free report distills thousands of pages of research, expert interviews, and student groups into a clear, and easy to understand format.
 Among the report’s key findings: - The Identity Crisis: 58% of young adults say they have no clear direction in life.
- Mental Health Struggles: 72% of young women and 67% of young men say anxiety and depression are part of who they are. - Smartphone vs. AI Generation: If Gen Z is the “smartphone generation,” Gen Alpha is the first “AI generation,” with profound implications for learning and relationships.
 - Faith Deconstruction: While church attendance is declining, 90% of young adults express some form of spiritual belief, signaling fresh opportunities for engagement.
 - Relationships in Crisis: From pornography to loneliness, isolation to family breakdown, technology and culture are reshaping how young adults view marriage, friendship and community.  Dr. Jeff Myers is one of America’s most respected voices on youth development and worldview. The author of 18 books, he is a frequent commentator on cultural confusion, moral clarity, and generational discipleship. It is his desire to equip parents and leaders with truth and context so they can spend more time connecting with the ones they love, all while guiding Generation Z to fulfill their God-given potential.
 Dr. Myers joins me to chat about how the role of technology is quickly shaping Generation Z's worldview. Listen as he shares why it is so vitally important to address today's cultural and political confusion with a strong Biblical viewpoint, one that is clear and relatable to today's young adults.

    39 min
5
out of 5
10 Ratings

About

The Crossmap Podcast features inspiring heart-to-heart conversations with Christian newsmakers of the day including authors, experts, pastors, and entertainers on topics that are good for the entire family while honoring your faith-based values. Join Crossmap managing editor Chris Carpenter as he engages guests in thought-provoking but light-hearted banter on subjects that shape and influence our culture through the lens of faith. Gain valuable insight on how to live a meaningful Christian life and experience laughs along the way too! The Crossmap Podcast is part of the Edifi Podcast Network

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