Rooted In Christ

Latest Episodes:

From Abortion and Shame to Freedom and Redemption Through Christ - Jessica DeYoung on The Rooted in Christ Podcast Ep. 197 Jun 01, 2026

Show notes

In this powerful episode of the Rooted in Christ Podcast, Eric sits down with Christian speaker, author, and podcast host Jessica DeYoung to talk about healing, identity, testimony, and the redeeming power of Jesus Christ. Jessica shares her deeply personal journey through trauma, shame, abortion, and restoration — revealing how God transformed her pain into purpose through the Made Whole Movement.

Together, they discuss the importance of sharing your testimony with intentionality, avoiding “trauma dumping,” and learning how to point people back to Christ through your story. Jessica opens up about the difference between religion and a real relationship with God, how shame keeps believers trapped, and why no past is too broken for God’s grace to redeem.

This conversation is filled with biblical encouragement, practical wisdom, and hope for anyone struggling with guilt, spiritual dryness, or feeling distant from God.

Topics covered in this episode:

The power of testimony and storytelling
Healing from trauma and shame
God’s forgiveness after abortion
Identity rooted in Christ, not your past
Why churches should disciple people to share their stories
Practical ways to grow closer to God
Spiritual dryness, fasting, and intentionality
The Made Whole Movement and helping women heal through Christ

If you’ve ever wondered whether God could still use your story, this episode is for you.

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Want to be a guest on Rooted In Christ? Send Eric Stephens a message on PodMatch, here:

https://www.podmatch.com/hostdetailpreview/1759833790503730c0e0ceb0e

The Truth About Heart Posture, Surrender & Leaving Witchcraft Behind - Brigette Donoho on the Rooted in Christ Podcast Ep. 196 May 25, 2026

Show notes

In this powerful episode of the Rooted in Christ Podcast, Brigette Donoho joins Eric Stephens for an honest conversation about faith, worship, motherhood, homeschooling, the music industry, and walking closely with God in every season.

Brigette shares her testimony of growing up in church, walking away from faith as a teenager, and ultimately surrendering her life fully to Christ after a life-changing encounter with God. She opens up about leaving behind witchcraft, partying, and destructive habits, while discussing the importance of guarding your heart, staying rooted in the Word, and avoiding compromise.

The conversation dives deep into:

The dangers of dabbling in witchcraft and spiritual deception
What true worship really means
Balancing ministry, music, marriage, and motherhood
Why intentionality matters in your walk with Christ
Navigating the Christian music industry without compromising your values
Homeschooling and discipling your children
Learning to say “no” so you can protect your God-given “yes”
Staying faithful in the small things God has placed before you

Brigette also encourages young Christian artists to seek God’s voice above platform, popularity, and comparison — reminding listeners that obedience matters more than visibility.

This episode closes with a heartfelt prayer for listeners, creatives, artists, and anyone seeking freedom, healing, and a deeper relationship with Jesus Christ.

Be sure to like, share, and subscribe to the Rooted in Christ Podcast on all major podcast platforms.

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Want to be a guest on Rooted In Christ? Send Eric Stephens a message on PodMatch, here:https://www.podmatch.com/hostdetailpreview/1759833790503730c0e0ceb0e

"I Chased Forbes Fame Until I Hit Rock Bottom and Found Jesus" - Alex Sanfilippo on The Rooted in Christ Podcast Ep. 195 May 18, 2026

Show notes

What happens when the dream you built your entire identity around completely falls apart?

In this powerful episode of the Rooted in Christ Podcast, Eric Stevens sits down with entrepreneur, speaker, and PodMatch founder Alex Sanfilippo to talk about the rise, crash, and redemption that transformed his life forever.

Alex opens up about:

Chasing the dream of becoming a Forbes 30 Under 30 entrepreneur
Losing everything during the real estate collapse
Hitting rock bottom emotionally, financially, and spiritually
Encountering the love of God in a life-changing way
Building a faith-centered foundation after surrendering to Christ
How PodMatch was born from purpose instead of pride
Entrepreneurship, identity, leadership, and serving others through Jesus

This conversation is packed with wisdom for entrepreneurs, creatives, leaders, and anyone trying to move from religion into a real relationship with Christ.

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Want to be a guest on Rooted In Christ? Send Eric Stephens a message on PodMatch, here:https://www.podmatch.com/hostdetailpreview/1759833790503730c0e0ceb0e

"My Child Transitioned: The Detour I Never Saw Coming" Debra McNinch on the Rooted in Christ Podcast Ep. 194 May 11, 2026

Show notes

In this powerful episode of Rooted in Christ Podcast, Eric Stephens sits down with author and speaker Debra McNinch for an honest conversation about parenting prodigals, spiritual warfare, and trusting God through family heartbreak.

Debra shares her personal journey after receiving the life-changing news that her child identified as transgender, and how that moment shattered her expectations, challenged her faith, and ultimately led her deeper into prayer and dependence on Jesus. Through tears, wisdom, and unwavering faith, she explains how God transformed her pain into purpose through her ministry, Battle Cry Moms, a growing community of parents praying for their children.

In this episode, they discuss:

Parenting through unexpected detours
Spiritual warfare and praying for your children
How to love without compromising biblical truth
Overcoming guilt, shame, and fear as parents
Why community and prayer matter in hard seasons
Raising children with a personal relationship with Jesus
Practical ways to pray and stand in faith for prodigal children

Debra also shares encouragement for parents who feel exhausted, defeated, or alone, reminding listeners that “no one fights alone.”

Debra McNinch's book: Battle Cry: Love Goes to War

If this episode encouraged you, please LIKE, SHARE, and SUBSCRIBE to the podcast. Your support helps us continue spreading the Gospel and having real conversations that point people back to Christ.

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Want to be a guest on Rooted In Christ? Send Eric Stephens a message on PodMatch, here:

https://www.podmatch.com/hostdetailpreview/1759833790503730c0e0ceb0e

"From Cancer Diagnosis to Remission... My Faith Was Tested" - Don Ready on the Rooted in Christ Podcast Ep. 193 May 04, 2026

Show notes

In this powerful episode, we sit down with Don Ready for one of the most real and faith-filled conversations we’ve had on the podcast.

Don opens up about the moment he was diagnosed with cancer, the fear that hit instantly, and how that diagnosis launched him into the fight of his life—physically, mentally, and spiritually. From panic attacks in a work van to life-threatening treatments, paralysis, and a high-risk stem cell transplant, this is a story of resilience, faith, and unwavering trust in God.

We talk about:

What goes through your mind when you hear “you have cancer”
How his faith was tested—and strengthened—through suffering
The reality of chemotherapy, radiation, and recovery
Learning to walk again after losing mobility
The people who showed up… and the ones who didn’t
How trials reshape your perspective on life, purpose, and relationships
Why he now lives with the mindset: “It must be God”

This episode isn’t just about surviving cancer—it’s about purpose in pain, finding God in the middle of the storm, and what it really means to fight when everything is on the line.

If you’ve ever faced adversity, questioned your faith, or needed a reminder that you’re not alone in your battle—this conversation is for you.

Tap in, share with someone who needs it, and don’t forget to subscribe for more real conversations like this.

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Want to be a guest on Rooted In Christ? Send Eric Stephens a message on PodMatch, here:https://www.podmatch.com/hostdetailpreview/1759833790503730c0e0ceb0e

The Power of Intentional Living in Marriage, Parenting and Relationships | Scott LaPierre on the Rooted in Christ Podcast Ep. 192 Apr 27, 2026

Show notes

In this powerful episode of the Rooted in Christ Podcast, we sit down with Scott LaPierre to dive deep into marriage, faith, and what it truly means to live intentionally for Christ.

Scott shares his personal testimony—from navigating loss to finding salvation—and how that journey shaped his calling into ministry, writing, and leading marriage conferences across the country.

We explore:

Why there is always hope in struggling marriages—even when things feel beyond repair
The most common challenges couples face today (parenting, finances, and in-laws)
How love and respect are daily choices, not just feelings
The importance of intentionality in relationships, including practical ways to stay connected with your spouse
How faith, prayer, and humility can transform not just marriages—but entire families

This conversation is filled with real-life wisdom, biblical insight, and practical tools you can apply immediately—whether you’re married, preparing for marriage, or simply seeking stronger relationships.

If you’ve ever felt stuck, distant, or unsure how to move forward in your relationship, this episode is for you.

Learn more about Scott LaPierre and his ministry: YourMarriageGodsWay.org

Don’t forget to like, share, and subscribe for more Christ-centered conversations.

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Want to be a guest on Rooted In Christ? Send Eric Stephens a message on PodMatch, here: https://www.podmatch.com/hostdetailpreview/1759833790503730c0e0ceb0e

Living Out the Renewed Mind: How Real Transformation Happens with Darryll Rice on the Rooted in Christ Podcast Ep. 191 Apr 20, 2026

Show notes

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:

Overcoming church hurt and rebuilding faith
The importance of renewing your mind daily
Letting go of old lifestyles to walk in purpose
Faith, marriage, and building a Christ-centered foundation
The reality behind platforms, ministry, and obedience
Artist management, leadership, and staying rooted in integrity

Darryll also shares practical wisdom for creatives, artists, and anyone trying to follow God’s calling—especially when the process isn’t easy.

This conversation is a reminder that your journey may not look how you expect… but it will align with exactly what God has for you.

“Don’t conform to the ways of the world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind.”

Tap in, stay rooted, and let this one challenge your perspective.

Scootie Wop Talks Addiction, Faith, and Refusing to Compromise | The Rooted in Christ Podcast Ep 190 Apr 13, 2026

Show notes

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:

Battling addiction and the reality of dependency
The impact of absent fatherhood and searching for identity
Hitting rock bottom and encountering God
The process of true change (not just an overnight switch)
Accountability, community, and serving others as keys to healing
Stepping out on faith to pursue music with purpose

Scootie also opens up about the challenges of staying consistent in faith after backsliding, and how Christian hip hop became both his outlet and calling.

This is more than a testimony—it’s a real look at what transformation actually takes.

Tune in for a conversation that’s honest, relatable, and full of hope.

The Truth About Being a Christian Man in Music, Sports, and Culture | Stephen Brindle on the Rooted in Christ Podcast Ep. 189 Apr 06, 2026

Show notes

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 into:

His role in the NBA and balancing faith in a high-performance environment
The influence of Christian hip-hop and community in his spiritual growth
How suffering, trials, and adversity shape our walk with Christ
His latest project, The Suffering Servant Part II, and the heart behind it
The tension Christian artists face between staying true to the message and chasing recognition

This episode is raw, transparent, and filled with truth—reminding us that suffering isn’t meaningless, and that Christ meets us in every season.

Whether you're in a season of struggle or growth, this conversation will encourage you to keep your eyes on Christ and trust the process.

Cancer and the Loss of a Child - How Do You Trust God? | Kimberly Stevens on The Rooted in Christ Podcast #188 Mar 30, 2026

Show notes

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:

Finding faith through brokenness
Wrestling with grief, anger, and unanswered questions
Overcoming the lie of “I deserve this”
Experiencing miracles in the middle of suffering
How God brings beauty from ashes
The meaning behind “The Rose Path” and extending hope to others

Kimberly also shares the heart behind her nonprofit, Extend the Rose, which brings encouragement and hope to children and families in hospitals through powerful acts of love and faith.

If you’re walking through a difficult season, questioning God, or searching for hope—this episode is for you.

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